News

As the wait for Stranger Things season 5 continues, one major series star exclusively told ScreenRant whether their infamous villain would appear in the final outing of the cult hit. Stranger Things season 5 will be released in three parts, with the first batches of episodes arriving on November 26 and December 25, and the finale on December 31.

Although the Stranger Things franchise has a big future at Netflix after the original show ends, the arrival of season 5 will still mark the end of an era. When ScreenRant asked star Dacre Montgomery if he would appear in season 5, or if there was “Anything you want to see from Max,” the actor had this to say:

“I'm going to say a few different things really quickly… This is my top-tier answer: I'm more excited than anything for it to be over for the Duffer Brothers, because I know they have so many other awesome stories that,...

Two-time Oscar-nominated director Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting, Milk, Drugstore Cowboy) will receive this year’s Campari Passion for Film Award at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.

The honor recognizes film professionals whose creative work “reflects a deep and enduring passion for cinema.” Unlike a lifetime achievement award, the Campari Passion for Film Award celebrates artistic vision and the drive to leave a lasting imprint on cinematic storytelling.

Van Sant will receive the honor in Venice on Sept. 2, ahead of the out-of-competition world premiere of his new film, Dead Man’s Wire. The based-on-a-true-story thriller stars Bill Skarsgard, Dacre Montgomery, Colman Domingo, Cary Elwes, Myha’la and Al Pacino.

“I’m truly honored to receive the Passion for Film award,” Van Sant said in a statement. “My heartfelt thanks to Campari for this recognition — it means a great deal to me. I’m grateful not only for their acknowledgement of my work,...

Veteran American filmmaker Gus Van Sant will be handed the Campari Passion for Film Award at this year’s Venice Film Festival.

The award ceremony will take place on September 2 in the Sala Grande, just before a screening of his latest film Dead Man’s Wire, which screens out of Competition.

The film stars Bill Skarsgård, Dacre Montgomery, Colman Domingo, Cary Elwes, Myha’la, and Al Pacino. The film was written by Austin Kolodney and produced by Elevated.

The film tells the story of Anthony G. “Tony” Kiritsis, a former real estate developer who, in 1977, took a mortgage banker hostage in a downtown office. Kiritsis, believing he was cheated out of money, armed himself with a sawed-off shotgun wired to a “dead man’s switch” around his own neck, demanding a $5 million apology, and immunity from prosecution.

“I’m truly honored to receive the Passion for Film award. My heartfelt thanks to...

Gus Van Sant will be celebrated by the Venice Film Festival with its Campari Passion for Film Award.

Van Sant is a key figure of American indie cinema from the 1980s onwards, whose body of work includes “Drugstore Cowboy,” “My Own Private Idaho,” the Columbine shooting-inspired “Elephant,” Nicole Kidman’s “To Die For,” Oscar winner “Milk” and “Good Will Hunting,” which launched Ben Affleck and Matt Damon into stardom.

Van Sant will be on the Lido with hostage thriller “Dead Man’s Wire,” starring Bill Skarsgård, Colman Domingo, Dacre Montgomery and Al Pacino, which is screening at Venice out of competition. He will receive the prize on Sept. 2 before the gala screening of “Dead Man’s Wire.”

“Gus Van Sant is a unique filmmaker in the landscape of contemporary cinema, who combines a deeply independent perspective with a remarkable ability to connect with audiences,” said Venice artistic director Alberto Barbera in a statement.

Historical crime films and thrillers adapt real-life events and bring them to the silver screen. From some of history's most unforgettable crimes to moments that shaped laws and the world today, these films give viewers a chance to live in that moment for about an hour or more in theaters. The latest historical crime movie, directed by Gus Van Sant, tells the story of a 1977 kidnapping and features a star-studded cast. A first look at Dead Man's Wire shows a chilling scene where the kidnapper, Tony Kiritsis, played by It actor Bill Skarsgård, holds a gun to the head of mortgage banker Richard Hall, played by Dacre Montgomery.

In the photo, posted by DiscussingFilm on X (formerly Twitter), the image shows the moment police officers swarmed Kiritsis as he held Hall hostage. Colman Domingo, Myha'la, Cary Elwes, John Robinson, and Academy Award winner Al Pacino also star in the film.

As fall festival lineups are revealed, the awards race comes into focus. This week saw major announcements from the Venice Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival, making the rest of the year for Oscar watchers a bit clearer on which movies will be vying for the top awards.

But some mysteries remain. As release dates loom and Telluride remains tight-lipped as usual, a number of presumed Oscar contenders are question marks at the moment.

Here are the questions we're asking as we look ahead at the end-of-the-year film festival line-ups.

Will A House of Dynamite blow up?

The fall release with equal amounts of buzz and mystery surrounding it has to be Kathryn Bigelow's first film in eight years, A House of Dynamite. The movie, which stars Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, and Greta Lee, was announced by its distributor, Netflix, a little over a month ago with...

When you purchase through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Institute is a supernatural horror thriller series created by Benjamin Cavell. Based on Stephen King‘s 2019 novel of the same name, the MGM+ series follows Luke Ellis, a genius teen boy who is kidnapped and wakes up in a mysterious institute where he finds other kids with unusual abilities. Luke’s life takes a turn when his life intertwines with a former police officer haunted by his past, who moves to the nearby town. The Institute stars Ben Barnes, Joe Freeman, Simone Miller, Fionn Laird, Hannah Galway, Julian Richings, Robert Joy, Martin Roach, and Mary-Louise Parker. So, if you loved the thrilling mystery, intense drama, and compelling characters in MGM+’s The Institute, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

The Promised Neverland (Hulu & Crunchyroll) Credit – Crunchyroll

The Promised Neverland is a Japanese anime series directed by Mamoru Kanbe.

The final season of Stranger Things is on the way, and fans are curious to see how the story will ultimately conclude. As fans continue to wait, a new trailer has just been released by Netflix to further tease the final episodes.

The trailer, released on Wednesday, reveals new footage from the final episodes coming at the end of the year. Tense and emotional moments are put on display, as Heaton appropriately says in a voiceover, "After what we've been through, this thing that ties us together forever." The new season will be premiering on Netflix on Nov. 26, but for now, fans can get a sneak peek by watching the trailer below.

There's a lot of anticipation for the final season of Stranger Things. In fact, the new season has already managed to break a record for Netflix. The release date announcement video, released on May 31, generated more than 250 million...

The final season of "Stranger Things" will see the return of many familiar and beloved faces. In the Duffer Brothers' fond farewell to the show, the heroes of Hawkins will be going one last round with the villain who plagued their town for years, even before they knew he existed. However, it's currently unclear how Max Mayfield will factor into the equation.

Of all the characters who have fought against the terrors of the Upside Down, Max has perhaps endured some of the toughest challenges. Not only did she lose her brother Billy (Dacre Montgomery) when he became corrupted by the nightmarish realm's powers, but she also dared to take on Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower), the realm's monstrous ruler, directly, leaving her down for the count until further notice (if not permanently).

Indeed, while Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn) was rocking out in his last stand in "Stranger Things" season 4, Max...

"I ain't going to let them take us away. I'd die before I let them break us." Gravitas has revealed the official trailer for an indie small town drama titled What We Hide, the latest feature film from screenwriter / filmmaker Dan Kay. This premiered at the 2025 Santa Barbara Film Festival earlier this year, and it played at the Dallas Film Festival a few months ago. After their mother suffers a fatal overdose, two sisters fear that the foster system will separate them and decide to hide the body. But their lie may be discovered and they must decide how far they are willing to go to keep their secret. Their future becomes uncertain... "Not all secrets remain buried." This stars Mckenna Grace and Jojo Regina, with Forrest Goodluck, Malia Baker, Fernanda Andrade, with Dacre Montgomery and Jesse Williams. Early reviews describe the film as "a heartfelt watch about rural American families,...

Nearly three years after its Season 4 cliffhanger, Stranger Things finally offered audiences a glimpse of its final season. However, eagle-eyed fans noticed a continuity mistake in this Season 5 trailer involving a key series storyline.

While the long-awaited teaser previewed some of what awaits in the show's final episodes, the Netflix promo mainly focused on events that have already happened. But again, there's been a change, and it has to do with Max, played by Sadie Sink (who has commented on those MCU rumors), and her late stepbrother Billy, played by Dacre Montgomery.

Netflix Read full article on The Direct.

Exclusive: Australian actor Levi Miller (Kraven the Hunter) has joined the cast of Bloodaxe, Prime Video’s drama created, written, and exec produced by Vikings creator Michael Hirst and his son, Horatio Hirst, sources tell Deadline.

Reps for Amazon MGM Studios declined to comment. Miller will play Haakon the Good, the younger half-brother of Viking Erik Bloodaxe, played by Xavier Molyneux. We were first to tell you about his casting and that of female lead Jessica Madsen, who plays Bloodaxe’s wife Gunnhild, aka the Mother of Kings.

Bloodaxe follows Erik Bloodaxe, one of history’s most famous Norse raiders, and his formidable wife, Gunnhild as they fight for the throne of Norway. In the process, the land is torn apart by fierce rivals, shifting loyalties, and bloody betrayals. With war looming and chaos consuming the kingdom, drawing in the ruthless Kings of other Scandinavian countries, and even a powerful English ruler,...

"She's not gone... she spoke to me too last night." Greenwich Entertainment has unveiled the first official trailer for Went Up the Hill, an intriguing ghost story film from New Zealand. This initially premiered at the 2024 Toronto Film Festival last year, and will be released in limited theaters this summer in the US. The second feature made by Kiwi director Samuel Van Grinsven, also of Sequin in a Blue Room before this. Jack ventures to remote New Zealand for the funeral of his estranged mother and meets her widow Jill. But his mother's spirit returns to inhabit each of their bodies – instigating a life-threatening three-way nocturnal dance. Went Up the Hill is a psychological drama is inspired by writer / director Samuel Van Grinsven's own memories of his childhood in New Zealand’s South Island. An intimate, modern ghost story that explores the extremities of grief in our pursuit of letting go.

“Phantom Thread” star Vicky Krieps is deepening her onscreen presence with a haunting ghost story, “Went Up the Hill.” Titled after the nursery song (the lead characters are Jack and Jill), the feature centers on Krieps’ character, who for the first time meets her stepson after Krieps loses her wife to suicide. In her grief, the two each become possessed by the spirit of Krieps’ dead wife.

The intense trailer, which you can watch below, sums up the premise with the tagline, “Three Souls. Two Bodies.” The official synopsis reads: “Abandoned as a child, Jack (Dacre Montgomery) travels to remote New Zealand to attend the funeral of his estranged mother Elizabeth. There he meets her widow, Jill (Krieps), who has questions of her own. Over the nights that follow, Elizabeth returns and possesses Jack and Jill, using each of their bodies to speak to the other. Jill faces Elizabeth’s suicide,...

Dacre Montgomery (“Stranger Things”) stars alongside Vicky Krieps (Phantom Thread) in Went Up the Hill, a haunting ghost story that’s coming to theaters on August 15, 2025.

Watch the trailer for Went Up the Hill, which features rave reviews from outlets including The Hollywood Reporter. They call it “one of the most startlingly original ghost stories in years.”

Dacre Montgomery and Vicky Krieps star as strangers brought together by a family connection in this haunting tale of grief, possession and breaking free from the past.

“The film will chart how after being abandoned as a child, Jack (Montgomery) ventures to remote New Zealand to attend the funeral of his estranged mother and there meets her grieving widow, Jill (Krieps). His search for answers becomes dangerous when his mother’s ghost returns to inhabit both Jack and Jill, using each of their bodies to speak to the other, and instigating a life-threatening...

Missing good old-fashioned ghost stories? Want to enjoy the twists and turns without being too terrified? Then get ready for Went Up the Hill! The new film, starring Stranger Things star Dacre Montgomery and Vicky Krieps is finally hitting theaters after it received praise from last year's Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Directed by Samuel Van Grinsven, the movie was applauded for its "brilliant performances" by Collider's Anna Miller. And now we have an exclusive new look at the film!

The trailer for Went Up the Hill shows Jack (Montgomery) going to the funeral of his estranged mother, Elizabeth. When he meets his mother's widow, Jill (Krieps), the two question each other and what we see in the trailer is the start of a pretty incredible ghost story. Possession, twists, and an eerie home? Went Up the Hill has it all. With the release of the trailer also comes...

Stranger Things is Netflix’s flagship supernatural saga, and the show has never shied away from featuring emotional complexity through monsters and mayhem. Amidst all the horror and coming-of-age drama, there’s also some poolside flirtation and almost-sinful connection between Billy and Karen.

The steamy tension between the town’s troubled bad boy and Hawkins’ glossy-haired suburban mom caused a lot of buzz. But while there was undeniable chemistry, the potential of their affair was cut short, and turns out, it was a bit different than planned! So, let’s dive into the journeys of these two characters and the dynamic they shared.

Billy Hargrove and Karen Wheeler in Stranger Things A still from Stranger Things | Credits: Netflix

Billy Hargrove, played by Dacre Montgomery, wasn’t just a heartthrob with the swimmers, but also one of Stranger Things’ most layered and controversial characters. He was introduced in season 2, and we...

Stranger Things is one of those shows that rarely closes a chapter without leaving a few pages fluttering in the wind. We’ve seen the gang fight monsters, lose friends, and find their strength in the most unexpected places, but not many storylines carry as much emotional weight as the one between Max Mayfield and her stepbrother Billy Hargrove.

Their connection is built on fear, followed by resentment, and eventually heartbreak. And now that the final season is on the horizon, there’s one question that echoes in our minds: Could we see Dacre Montgomery’s Billy one last time? Here’s why the character’s return is still possible.

Max and Billy’s relationship in Stranger Things Billy and Max in a still from Stranger Things | Credits: Netflix

Max Mayfield, played by Sadie Sink, wasn’t just another new face in Hawkins when she appeared in season 2. She became...

After a 14 year hiatus, the Final Destination franchise returned this year with Final Destination: Bloodlines – and movie-goers were clearly missing these movies, as Bloodlines has so far pulled in $193 million at the global box office, making it the highest-grossing entry in the franchise. One fan of the series is singer/songwriter Charli xcx, who took to TikTok to share her pitch for the next sequel, one that she envisions starring in alongside several “It Girl” actresses.

Charli xcx said (with thanks to The Hollywood Reporter for the transcription), “I’m rewatching all of the Final Destination movies, in preparation to see Final Destination: Bloodlines, which I’m really excited to see. The reason I love these movies is that they really just are about hot people getting killed. You know, there’s no moral backbone to the story, it really is just, ‘They’re hot, they’re cursed and they deserve to die.

Oscar winners Marisa Tomei and Sam Rockwell plus Chris Messina and Ivan Martin are set to star in zombie comedy “Hellhound” for director Zach Golden (“High Heart”)

Newly-formed sales company Vaneast Pictures, owned by Danielle Gasher, is launching sales in Cannes.

Written by Golden Martin, the film will be produced by Joseph Restaino and Tony Stopperan (“Amber Alert”) from Hungry Bull Productions alongside Martin and Golden.

In “Hellhound,” when a zombie outbreak hits small-town New York, a washed-up veterinarian must team up with his ex-wife and her new cop boyfriend to stop President William White and his right-hand man General Graves from destroying NYC. It’s a battle of zombies, power, and unresolved feelings — and the fate of millions rests in the hands of a guy who’s already given up.

“We are thrilled to bring Zach Golden’s and Ivan’s Martin’s fun, exciting, action packed script to life,...

Stranger Things fan favorite Dacre Montgomery will soon make his directorial debut. The actor is set to star in and direct The Engagement Party.

"I could not be more honoured to be directing The Engagement Party, a film with an extremely important and timely message. I’m equally thrilled to have such a wonderful team of collaborators to help bring this story to life," said Montgomery in a statement shared by Deadline. The Engagement Party was scripted by Jory Anast, whose previous movie, Went Up the Hill, also starred Montgomery. The synopsis for The Engagement Party, which is planned to be shot later this year, hints that something dark is lying dormant beneath the celebration of the titular event.

"On a beautiful, secluded island, amidst the golden rays and ocean breeze of a stunning beach house, two couples reunite to celebrate a momentous occasion. Until a conflicting memory arises which...

Exclusive: Stranger Things and Elvis star Dacre Montgomery’s directorial debut is gaining traction ahead of a planned shoot later this year.

Montgomery will star in the film alongside Lily Sullivan (Evil Dead Rise), Abbey Lee (Mad Max: Fury Road) and Arlo Green (M3GAN) and Metro International has boarded sales for the Cannes market. Madman Entertainment is aboard as Australia/Nz distributor.

The synopsis reads: “On a beautiful, secluded island, amidst the golden rays and ocean breeze of a stunning beach house, two couples reunite to celebrate a momentous occasion. Until a conflicting memory arises which threatens to tear their relationships apart. With each wave crashing against the shore, the line between memory and manipulation blurs, forcing them to confront a question they’ve tried to forget: What really happened that night?”

Producers are Nick Batzias and Virginia Whitwell for GoodThing Productions (Nitram), Ian Booth (Rams) and Nash Edgerton...

Jasper Basch has rejoined Greenwich Entertainment as partner and head of distribution as the company looks to expand its theatrical business.

Basch most recently served as Variance Fims head of distribution. When he was previously at Greenwich, Basch oversaw the theatrical releases of Echo In The Canyon, Wild Nights With Emily, and Linda Ronstadt: The Sound Of My Voice.

The company recently released Bonjour Tristesse starring Lily McInerny, Claes Bang, and Chloë Sevigny. Upcoming films include Michel Franco’s Berlinale selection Dreams starring Jessica Chastain, Went Up The Hill with Vicky Krieps and Dacre Montgomery, Omaha starring John Magaro, Islands starring Sam Riley,...

Chicago – The Dallas International Film Festival (Diff) wrapped up on May 1st, highlighting many exciting new filmmakers. Dan Kay is a writer/director who screened his recent feature film “What We Hide” (Aka Spider & Jessie). The film info is listed on Diff’s program page under its title (click What We Hide).

After discovering their mother has fatally overdosed, two scrappy sisters named Spider and Jessie (Mckenna Grace and Jojo Regina) are terrified they’ll be separated by an over burdened foster care system, so they conceal the body. But as the local police chief (Jesse Williams) and their mother’s volatile ex-boyfriend (Dacre Montgomery) get closer to uncovering the truth, the girl’s will have to decide just how far they are willing to go to keep their secret buried.

What We Hide

Photo credit: DIFFDallas.org

In the midst of covering Diff, Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com asked...

Judd Apatow is the first guest curator at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, overseeing a new comedy film exhibition focused on celebrating the genre and its filmmakers. Apatow’s new position was announced during the Academy Museum’s 20th celebration and screening of his feature debut “The 40-Year-Old-Virgin,” which featured a conversation between Apatow, Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, Jane Lynch, Gerry Bednob, and Kat Dennings in the museum’s David Geffen Theater.

Apatow’s currently untitled exhibition is slated for April 2027, and will mark the Academy Museum’s first exhibition dedicated to the art of comedy in film. “We’re thrilled to announce that our first guest curator at the Academy Museum is none other than the hilarious and brilliant Judd Apatow,” said Academy Museum director and president Amy Homma in a statement. “Judd’s comedies have shaped entertainment and culture, and we know his expertise, appreciation, and love...

Singer/songwriter Charli xcx is working on building up her film acting career, and she’s going about it in a really interesting way. A couple of years ago, we heard that she was set to make her feature acting debut with Legendary Entertainment’s remake of the infamous 1978 box office hit Faces of Death… and someday we might even get to see that movie, but as of right now it still doesn’t have a distributor. Since working on Faces of Death, Charli xcx has taken roles in the Gregg Araki thriller I Want Your Sex, Cathy Yan’s The Gallerist, Romain Gavras’s Sacrifice, Jeremy O. Harris and Pete Ohs’ Erupjca, and Julia Jackman’s graphic novel adaptation 100 Nights of Hero. By taking on these projects, she has worked alongside the likes of Barbie Ferreira, Dacre Montgomery, Jermaine Fowler, Olivia Wilde, Cooper Hoffman, Natalie Portman, Jenna Ortega,...

Charli xcx is one of the most famous pop stars in the world right now, but she's about to transition to the world of film with multiple projects currently in development. The most recent news regarding her budding acting career is perhaps the most exciting yet, as Variety reports that Charli xcx will star in and produce an upcoming film from the legendary Japanese horror director Takashi Miike, best known for films like Audition and Ichi the Killer.

Little is known about the story thus far, but horror fans know that Miike is famous for the graphic violence present in his movies. Audition is often ranked as one of the most disturbing horror movies of all time. Ross Evans (How to Save a Marriage) will write the script.

The Brat singer is also starring in and producing an upcoming A24 movie, The Moment, through her Studio365 banner. The Moment is...

Although Dacre Montgomery was one of the big bad baddies throughout his appearance in Netflix’s Stranger Things, fans weren’t able to control themselves whenever he would appear shirtless in the show.

However, Dacre Montgomery’s Billy Hargrove was more than just eye-candy as the character had a certain depth which was unparalleled by other characters in the show. Well, according to a report, Montgomery could’ve carried it further if the Duffer brothers had allowed him to do so.

Dacre Montgomery had written a whole pitch for Stranger Things

He was Max’s brother, and he was once the partner-in-bed of Mike Wheeler’s mom. However, the character’s complexity and depth were so profound that fans forgot about his negative traits.

Dacre Montgomery in a still from Stranger Things | Credits: 21 Laps Entertainment

Introduced in season 2, fans initially thought that Billy was just a bully with nothing better to do.

Okay, let’s talk about the moment that had the internet collectively gasping. Justin Bieber cozying up with none other than rapper Sexyy Red at her birthday party. Yes, you read that right. The two were spotted sharing hugs, cheek kisses, and some seriously vibey energy, and of course, the internet lost its mind. Suddenly, everyone was asking: “Wait… who is Sexyy Red again?” And more importantly, “Should we be worried about Justin and Hailey?”

But before we dive deep into the tea, let’s rewind a bit. Sexyy Red has been buzzing on the charts and online for a while now and she’s not new to viral moments, but this one? It hit differently. Whether you know her from her unfiltered lyrics, her collabs with major artists, or her viral one-liners, she’s quickly becoming a name you can’t ignore.

Now with Justin Bieber’s name in...

Jon Hamm has just made his post-Mad Men return to TV, and now he's set to lead another series. The Your Friends and Neighbors star will headline the first season of American Hostage, a new anthology series on MGM+. Deadline reports that Hamm will reprise the role he played on the scripted podcast of the same name that the TV show will adapt. The series is set to film in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in the fall.

Hamm will star on the series as Fred Heckman, a well-liked Indianapolis radio reporter who finds himself in a life-or-death situation in 1977 when local man Tony Kiritsis takes his mortgage broker Richard O. Hall, who he believes has scammed him, hostage at the point of a sawed-off shotgun. Kiritsis held Hall hostage in his apartment for 63 hours, during which time he made frequent calls to Heckman's radio station. Kiritsis' demands and rants were...

Formula 1 is one of those sports that just knows how to grab the world’s attention super fast. We see fast cars zooming by, loud engines all in these glamorous cities, and some of the biggest names on the planet gathering to watch the action — what’s not to love, right? While 20 of the world’s quickest drivers battle it out on the track, there’s one small but special job waiting at the finish line: waving the chequered flag. It’s the simple, iconic signal that says, “That’s it — race over!”

Sometimes, it’s not a race official or a motorsport legend doing the honours. F1 loves adding a bit of star power to the mix by handing the chequered flag to a famous face. It’s a little moment of glory for them and a fun way for fans to see their favourite celebrities take part...

Gravitas Ventures has acquired U.S. and Canadian distribution rights for Dan Kay’s thriller “What We Hide,” scheduling it to release through digital and cable video-on-demand in August.

Kay wrote and directed the drama, which stars Mckenna Grace, Jojo Regina, Dacre Montgomery, Malia Baker, Jesse Williams, Forrest Goodluck and Fernanda Andrade. The film follows Spider (Grace) and Jessie (Regina), a pair of sisters whose mother dies from an overdose. The two conceal her body in an attempt to prevent being separated through the foster care system. Williams plays a sheriff, who looks into the matter, while Montgomery plays the mother’s drug dealer.

“Gravitas is thrilled to be releasing ‘What We Hide’ to audiences this summer. This emotional and devastating thriller casts a light on the harm substance abuse can have on an entire family and community. Audiences will be blown away by the impressive and heartfelt performances by McKenna Grace,...

Justin Bieber is one of the biggest pop icons in the world today. Having sold millions of albums across the world and several chart-topping hits, he has also stolen the hearts of fangirls with his charming looks. But since the start of his career to now, Bieber has gone from a clean-cut pop star to more of a laid-back surfer dude.

While his transformation has inspired the creation of several memes, one such meme compared his looks to Stranger Things star Dacre Montgomery’s character in the series. Well, while there are several people in the world who would be elated to be compared to Bieber, Montgomery did not take it well.

Dacre Montgomery doesn’t like being compared to Justin Bieber Justin Bieber | Credits: @justinbieber / Ig

Justin Bieber has undergone tremendous change since he first gained the spotlight. From debuting as a teen with all the hallmarks of a...

The ’80s aesthetic has been prominent in Stranger Things‘ success since the inception of the series, and for the most part, the Duffer brothers have done a remarkable job of capturing the essence of that period. This accuracy also extends beyond the show’s backdrop, as the actors, especially Dacre Montgomery, were adamant about being true to this era.

Stranger Things | Credit: Netflix

Although the actor was already pretty shredded before starring in the Netflix original, for the role of Billy, he increased his curb intake for a more era-appropriate look.

Dacre Montgomery’s physique as Billy was in line with the setting

Before becoming notable for playing Billy in Stranger Things, Dacre Montgomery headlined 2017’s Power Rangers, for which he attained a more muscular and athletic build.

However, for the Netflix original, instead of maintaining his well-defined physique from his breakthrough feature, Montgomery upped his carb intake to become a “chunkier,...

At just 22, Finn Wolfhard had already made a name for himself as an actor, starring in the hit series Stranger Things. The young star is now stepping into a new role, filmmaker. His directorial debut, Hell of a Summer, is a horror-comedy that draws inspiration from classic slasher films and the dark humor of teen comedies.

As he navigated the challenges of bringing his vision to life, Wolfhard faced skepticism from many who questioned his ability to direct simply because of his age. In a recent interview, he opened up about the journey of creating the film.

Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler in Stranger Things | Credit: Netflix Finn Wolfhard reflects on the challenges of his directorial debut at age 22

Finn Wolfhard‘s journey to making Hell of a Summer as his directorial debut has definitely been filled with both challenges and growth. In an exclusive interview with People, Wolfhard opened...

Ever since Stranger Things burst onto Netflix in 2016, it’s been a wild ride through monsters, mind powers, and enough ‘80s nostalgia to make you want to dust off a cassette tape. With four seasons packed full of Demogorgons, shady government experiments, and a bunch of kids who are way braver than most adults, the show has cemented itself as one of Netflix’s biggest hits.

But let’s be real: not every season has been a home run. Some delivered jaw-dropping horror and heartwarming friendships, while others left us scratching our heads.

Matthew Modine and Millie Bobby Brown in Stranger Things Season 4 Chapter Eight: Papa (Credits- Netflix)

With Stranger Things Season 5 on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to look back and ask the big question: which season reigns supreme, and which one should be left in the Upside Down? While every installment has its strengths, creepy monsters,...

Let’s be honest for a second – if you didn’t watch Power Rangers growing up, did you even have a childhood? The color-coded heroes were all the hype back in the day and whether it was the Mighty Morphin’ era or Dino Thunder, we all had our favorites picked out.

And come one, the Legendary Battle? That was our Avengers: Endgame moment! Unfortunately, while Power Rangers was the childhood for many, it wasn’t for Dacre Montgomery, the Red Ranger from the 2017 film.

Power Rangers (2017) | Credits: Lionsgate Films

Ah, the iconic Red Rangers who, somehow, were almost every girl’s crush growing up. Jason Lee Scott, Leo Corbett, Conner McKnight, there was just something about these men taking charge that made us all swoon collectively. Then Power Rangers came along in 2017 and Dacre Montgomery donned the red suit, bringing Jason Scott to life. While he had that perfect heartthrob energy,...

Film history is built on cult classics as much as is it on blockbusters. These are movies that, while they didn't necessarily make a huge impact upon their initial release, gained appreciation in later years and left fans wondering why we didn't see more of what was originally presented. Somehow, a "Power Rangers" film falls into that category. 

Directed by Dean Israelite, 2017's "Power Rangers" reinvented the story about a group of teenagers with attitude being recruited by the ancient warrior Zordon (Bryan Cranston) to fight bad guys in color-coded super suits. By jazzing up the origins of Jason (Dacre Montgomery), Billy (Rj Cyler), and the rest of the team, Israelite and his collaborators created a fun film that should have paved the way for sequels. That was the plan, anyway.

Before the film was even released, Lionsgate announced plans to make as many as seven "Power Rangers" movies, assuming...

Exclusive: Producer Andrea Bucko (Alpha Gang) and actress Jordan Claire Robbins (The Umbrella Academy) have officially launched film and TV development fund, finance company, and production banner Raised by Wolves.

Backed by private investments from multiple family offices, the label has already quietly invested equity in high-profile independent films including Alpha Gang, starring Cate Blanchett, Channing Tatum, Dave Bautista, Steven Yeun, Zoë Kravitz, Léa Seydoux and Riley Keough; Captivated, starring Al Pacino and Katie Holmes; and Gus Van Sant’s Dead Man’s Wire starring Bill Skarsgård, Dacre Montgomery, Al Pacino, and Colman Domingo, which recently wrapped principal photography.

Along with investing through Raised by Wolves, Bucko has also produced these films under her Sugar Rush Pictures company. Werner Herzog’s Bucking Fastard with Rooney and Kate Mara is also produced under that banner.

Producer Nini Le Huynh, former assistant to Robin Wright, will serve as creative executive for the new company,...

Exclusive: The Sonoma International Film Festival announced the lineup for the 28th annual edition of the event, running March 19-23 in California’s bucolic wine country. Kicking off the festival will be the world premiere of Sweet Störy, a documentary that follows “a heartfelt journey to save a charming café” on a remote Swedish island.

Siff also will feature the world premieres of Roush Niaghi and Greg Morris’s Ali Eats America; Fernando Guillermo Barreda Luna’s Cafe Chairel, and Fatal Watch, directed by Mark Benjamin and Katie Carpenter. The festival will host the North American premiere of Dreams, the film directed by Dag Johan Haugerud that won the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival last month.

Daisy Edgar-Jones in ‘On Swift Horses’

The Siff Centerpiece Film will be the California premiere of On Swift Horses, the drama starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Jacob Elordi that’s based on the Shannon Pufahi novel.

Dead Man’s Wire, the latest project from director Gas Van Sant, is a hostage thriller based on a true story. The film has established a stellar cast of actors prepared to take on the intense roles.

Al Pacino is the latest addition to Dead Man’s Wire directed by Gus Van Sant, as reported by Deadline. It will be Van Sant’s first directorial role in a feature film since Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot (2018), which also took inspiration from real-life events.

RelatedOne of Al Pacino’s Most Iconic Films Is Actually a Remake of This Controversial Gangster Movie

Though most audiences are familiar with Brian De Palma’s Scarface, few are aware of the 1932 original that paved the way for this iconic reimagining.

“The morning of February 8, 1977, Anthony G. 'Tony' Kiritsis, 44, entered the office of Richard O. Hall, president of the Meridian Mortgage Company, and took him...

Two icons are coming together all for the good of a new thriller flick, with news coming today that Al Pacino (Heat) is the latest name to be joining Gus Van Sant’s Dead Man’s Wire. The legendary actor and filmmaker have never worked together, so this will be one for the books. As of right now, character details surrounding Pacino’s casting haven’t been released, but he’s the latest star to join the ever-growing lineup of talent for the helmer’s first movie in nearly a decade. Also included on the call sheet are the likes of Bill Skarsgård (Nosferatu), Dacre Montgomery (Stranger Things), Colman Domingo (Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man), Myha’la (Leave the World Behind) and Cary Elwes (Robin Hood: Men in Tights).

Exclusive: Academy Award Winner Al Pacino is set to join the upcoming hostage thriller Dead Man’s Wire, to be directed by Academy Award nominee Gus Van Sant.

The screenplay was written by Austin Kolodney. He joins previously announced Bill Skarsgard, Dacre Montgomery, Myha’la, Cary Elwes and Colman Domingo — all of whom Deadline first told you about.

Here’s the blurb for Dead Man’s Wire: The morning of February 8, 1977, Anthony G. “Tony” Kiritsis, 44, entered the office of Richard O. Hall, president of the Meridian Mortgage Company, and took him hostage with a sawed-off 12-gauge shotgun wired with a “dead man’s wire” from the trigger to Tony’s own neck. This is the true story of the stand-off that took the world by storm as Tony demanded $5 million, no charges or prosecution, and a personal apology from the Halls for cheating him out of what he was “owed.”

Pacino most...

Back in 2017, Lionsgate released a Power Rangers movie that was part The Breakfast Club coming-of-age story and a bit of the children's superhero series that most of us grew up with. The end result received mixed reviews from critics, and it generated a so-so box office. This ended plans to launch a series of multiple sequels, but since its release, the film has generated a bit of a cult following, and now that can continue with the movie finding a new streaming home.

According to what's coming to streaming next month via What's On Netflix, Power Rangers will be available to stream on Netflix beginning on Mar. 6. Films that are freshly added to the platform tend to perform well, and it's hopeful that the same will happen to Power Rangers. It deserved better than it received during its initial theatrical run because it's easily the best Power Rangers movie to hit the big screen,...

US-based independent film financier Tpc is expanding its financing offer, providing gap funding to movies starting with Gus Van Sant’s upcoming thriller Dead Man’s Wire.

Tpc expects to provide gap financing for around 10-15 films a year.

Van Sant’s 18th feature film,Dead Man’s Wire stars Bill Skarsgård, Dacre Montgomery, Colman Domingo and Cary Elwes and recently wrapped principal photography in Louisville, Kentucky. Based on a true story, the film follows a former real estate developer who takes the mortgage banker who did him wrong hostage. WME Independent is handling world sales.

Tpc has helped to finance over 400 films in the past 15 years,...

US-based independent film financier Tpc is expanding its financing offer, providing gap funding to movies starting with Gus Van Sant’s upcoming thriller Dead Man’s Wire.

Tpc expects to provide gap financing for around 10-15 films a year.

Van Sant’s 18th feature film,Dead Man’s Wire stars Bill Skarsgård, Dacre Montgomery, Colman Domingo and Cary Elwes and recently wrapped principal photography in Louisville, Kentucky. Based on a true story, the film follows a former real estate developer who takes the mortgage banker who did him wrong hostage. WME Independent is handling world sales.

Tpc has helped to finance over 400 films in the past 15 years,...

If there is one star who got as many great opportunities as Millie Bobby Brown after Stranger Things, it would be Joseph Quinn. Fans might argue that the fan-favorite Eddie Munson actor had more versatility in his roles than Brown. When the new trailer for Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps was released recently, fans deduced that Quinn is about to receive more love for his new role.

Joseph Quinn as Eddie Munson in Stranger Things Season 4 | Credits: Netflix

The new trailer featured Quinn’s Johnny Storm flying around in flames. In between Stranger Things and The Fantastic Four, Quinn appeared in a few powerful roles, including a leading role. With each performance, Quinn seems to challenge himself to do more.

The Fantastic Four‘s Joseph Quinn might be the most versatile actor to come out of Stranger Things Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm / Human Torch in The Fantastic Four...

Last month, it was announced that Bill Skarsgård (Nosferatu) and Dacre Montgomery (Stranger Things) are set to star in the hostage thriller Dead Man’s Wire for director Gus Van Sant. Now, Deadline has revealed that Skarsgård and Montgomery are being joined in the cast by Colman Domingo (The Madness), Myha’la (Industry), Cary Elwes (Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning), and John Robinson (Elephant).

Currently filming in Louisville, Kentucky, Dead Man’s Wire is based on a true story and follows a former real estate developer who takes the mortgage banker who did him wrong hostage, demanding $5M and a personal apology. Here’s some more information: The morning of February 8, 1977, Anthony G. “Tony” Kiritsis, 44, entered the office of Richard O. Hall, president of the Meridian Mortgage Company, and took him hostage with a sawed-off 12-gauge shotgun wired with a “dead man’s wire” from the trigger to Tony’s own neck. This is...

Exclusive: Myha’la (HBO’s Industry), Cary Elwes (Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning), and John Robinson (Elephant) are joining Gus Van Sant’s hostage thriller Dead Man’s Wire, which is currently filming in Louisville, Kentucky.

Based on a true story, the film follows a former real estate developer who takes the mortgage banker who did him wrong hostage, demanding $5M and a personal apology. Script is by Austin Kolodney.

As we revealed this week, two-time Oscar nominee Colman Domingo has joined Nosferatu star Bill Skarsgard and Stranger Things‘ Dacre Montgomery in the movie.

The official logline reads: “The morning of February 8, 1977, Anthony G. “Tony” Kiritsis, 44, entered the office of Richard O. Hall, president of the Meridian Mortgage Company, and took him hostage with a sawed-off 12-gauge shotgun wired with a “dead man’s wire” from the trigger to Tony’s own neck. This is the true story of the stand-off that took...

Exclusive: Colman Domingo is joining the cast of Gus Van Sant’s hostage thriller Dead Man’s Wire after completing his scenes for Edgar Wright’s The Running Man.

The title of Wright’s film is an apt for an actor who is doing the reverse of Phillip C. McGraw’s dictum that ‘it’s a marathon, not a sprint,’ by jetting from London on Monday to a devastated Los Angeles, then on to Kentucky next weekend to join Nosferatu’s Bill Skarsgard in Dead Man’s Wire in Louisville.

Austin Kolodney’s original screenplay for Dead Man’s Wire is based on the story of Tony Kirtsis, who one frigid day in February 1977 took Indianapolis mortgage broker Dick Hall hostage in his office. He attached a steel wire, that was hooked to the barrel of a sawed-off, double barrel shotgun, around his captive’s neck. Deadline revealed news of the production and the casting of Skarsgard,...