After watching Davíðsdóttir compete at the 2021 NOBULL CrossFit Games in Madison, Wisconsin, Laich sang her praises. “You continue to inspire and amaze, and it was an absolute joy to watch you in your element last night!” he wrote via Instagram in August 2021, to which the Icelandic athlete replied, “Thankful for you & the best support always always always.”
Two years later, Laich once again supported Davíðsdóttir while she competed in the CrossFit Games. “One of my favorite things about @katrintanja is she’ll fight right to the end, and you supported her right through the final finish!” the retired NHL player wrote via Instagram in August 2023.
“You are the best there is babe Thank you for being on this journey with me & supporting me through it all —you make it all THAT MUCH BETTER,” Davíðsdóttir replied in the comments.
Scroll down to see Laich and Davíðsdóttir’s relationship from the start:
Summer 2020
Eagle-eyed fans noticed that Laich began “liking” Davíðsdóttir’s Instagram photos.
July 2021
Laich publicly showed Davíðsdóttir support for the first time via Instagram, writing, “Day 1 of the @nobull @crossfitgames is complete. Proud of how this girl competed today! #SledDog.” The pair were later seen kissing in a livestream video from the 2021 NOBULL CrossFit Games in Madison, Wisconsin.
August 2021
The twosome went Instagram official one week before enjoying a romantic getaway to Hawaii. “Life is better with a couple coconuts & this favorite human of mine @brookslaich,” Davíðsdóttir captioned a vacation snap.
The couple sparked engagement speculation after taking a trip to Iceland on Valentine’s Day. “You are a shining example of kindness, beauty, grace, and most of all — love. Thank you for being you, today and every day forward – ég elska þig!” Laich wrote via Instagram alongside pictures from their trip to the Blue Lagoon.
June 2022
Davíðsdóttir sang her boyfriend’s praises in honor of his 39th year around the sun. “I love witnessing you be you, my love . It may well be my favorite thing in this universe to experience moments in which you are just pure joy ,” she captioned a goofy video of the former hockey player.
May 2023
Laich gushed over his girlfriend on her 30th birthday. “Your smile is my favorite thing about you and you are a ray of sunshine everywhere you go in this world, and to everyone you meet!” he wrote in his Instagram tribute. “I wish for you all the happiness, health, success, peace, and love that this life can offer — and may this new decade bring you more joy than ever before! Theo, Koda and I thank you for the way you show up in our lives, and the endless love you give!”
June 2023
“Happy birthday to the brightest light in my life & my favorite person to lay in the grass & just LAUGH with! It’s the greatest gift that I get to do life with you, @brookslaich!!” the CrossFit athlete wrote in honor of her partner’s milestone year. “I am so excited to see what this decade brings for you: The best is yet to come my love — happy 40th!! (It looks REAL good on you ) Thank you for being you & for all that you embody — I love you with all my heart &&& so do our bestest boys xxx.”
August 2023
The duo went on safari in Africa to celebrate their respective 30th and 40th birthdays. “Absolutely loving my time with @katrintanja while on this safari at @taasalodge! She knows it’s my favorite adventure on earth, and after the first few days here I’m pretty sure it’s becoming hers as well!” Laich wrote alongside several pictures of him and Davíðsdóttir getting cozy on the trip.
Later that month, Laich served as one of Derek Hough’s groomsmen at his wedding to Hayley Erbert where he reunited with ex-wife Julianne, who was a bridesmaid. Laich and Davíðsdóttir topped off the month at Laich’s lake house in Idaho.
The sports community is mourning the death of legendary broadcaster Greg Gumbel. He was 78.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel,” his family said in a statement via CBS Sports on Friday, December 27. “He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer.”
According to wife, Marcy, and his daughter, Michelle, Greg “approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace and positivity.”
Greg spent more than five decades covering sports. He joined CBS Sports in 1989 after years of hosting and play-by-play duties for New York Knicks basketball and New York Yankees baseball for the Madison Square Garden Network.
During his career, he had the opportunity to host The NFL Today and was able to cover three Super Bowls. He also became a key part of the network’s March Madness coverage.
“I wanted to pattern myself after [fellow CBS play-by-play man] Pat Summerall,” Greg once toldSports Illustrated in 2022. “He didn’t overtalk. He was understated. He was specific about the things that he said. And he was terrific. But how can you not be terrific when you’re doing Giants-Cowboys, Bears-Packers, Rams-49ers, Eagles-Giants?”
Greg Gumbel
One major career accomplishment came when Greg was asked to be the primetime anchor of CBS Sports’ coverage of the 1994 Olympic Winter Games.
“There has never been a finer gentleman in all of television,” CBS Sports said in a statement on December 27. “He was beloved and respected by those of us who had the honor to call him a friend and colleague. … It is an extremely sad day for all of us at CBS Sports and the entire sports community.”
CBS Sports praised Greg as having one of “the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time.” They also called him a “tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller.”
“He was a familiar and welcoming voice for fans across many sports, including the NFL and March madness, highlighted by the Super Bowl and Final Four,” the statement continued. “Greg broke barriers and set the standard for others to follow.”
As sports fans continue to mourn Greg’s loss, his closest family members will remember his “iconic voice” on game day as well as the love he showed for life away from any field.
“He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten,” his family’s statement read. “Greg’s memory will forever be treasured by his family, dearest friends, colleagues and all who loved him.”
“12.16.24 Forever feels just right with you!” Davíðsdóttir captioned a joint Instagram post on Friday, December 27.
Within half an hour, Hough, 36, commented on the post with her well wishes. “Congratulations I’m so happy for you both as you step into this beautiful new chapter together,” she wrote. “Wishing you both a lifetime of love, laughter, and endless adventures! .”
Laich, 41, was quick to reply, writing, “Thank you for the kinds words, much love Jules!”
The former Los Angeles Kings player and the Dancing With the Stars cohost tied in the knot in June 2017, but by December 2019, they had sparked breakup speculation after Hough was spotted without her wedding ring. Us Weekly exclusively confirmed in January 2020 that the duo were “having problems.”
Despite the breakup, Julianne’s brother Derek Houghhas maintained a friendship with Laich. Days after their initial split, an insider told Us Derek did “not have any animosity” toward his sister’s ex, noting that he “saw that they were figuring out themselves as individuals and that they weren’t a match as a couple, but that doesn’t take away their love for Brooks as a person.”
In August 2023, Laich was a groomsmen in Derek’s wedding party. Hayley Erbert, Derek’s wife, also shared her excitement for the couple, writing, “ So happy for you two .”
In a September podcast interview with Jamie Kern Lima, Julianne said it was “so beautiful” to run into Laich and Davíðsdóttir at a wedding. In another part of the podcast, Julianne noted that her marriage was “greatest thing that could have happened to me at that time of my life” and helped her begin a healing journey.
Laich confirmed his romance with Davíðsdóttir in August 2021 after he was spotted cheering her on at the 2021 NOBULL CrossFit Games in Madison, Wisconsin, that month.
“You continue to inspire and amaze, and it was an absolute joy to watch you in your element last night! #SledDog,” Laich wrote via Instagram after watching her compete.
The duo then jetted off to Hawaii following the games, documenting their romantic getaway on social media. They’ve been traveling the globe together ever since with recent destinations including Botswana and Indonesia.
Scottie Scheffler has withdrawn from the first event of the PGA Tour’s 2025 season-opening tournament due to injury.
“On Christmas Day while preparing dinner, Scottie sustained a puncture wound to the palm of his right hand from broken glass,” Scheffler’s agent Blake Smith said in a statement shared via the PGA Tour’s official X account on Friday, December 27. “Small glass fragments remained in the palm which required surgery.”
Scheffler’s recovery time will be about “three to four weeks,” per the statement. He is now unable to participate in The Sentry tournament in Maui, Hawaii, which is held from January 2 to 5. The decision came shortly before the tournament’s commitment deadline which was at 5 p.m. ET.
While Scheffler, 28, will not be in Hawaii next week, he is expected to return for The American Express tournament in La Quinta, California, which commences on January 16.
Sheffler is the reigning PGA Player of the Year and is ranked the No. 1 golfer in the world. In June, he made history with his sixth PGA Tour win. Sheffler celebrated the win with his wife, Meredith Scudder, and their newborn son, Bennett, whom they welcomed in May. Following the win, Sheffler became the first golfer to earn six PGA Tour wins before July since Arnold Palmer accomplished the feat in 1962.
“This golf course produces a lot of the exciting stuff coming down the stretch so it was nice to be out there competing,” Scheffler said in a press conference after his victory. “It’s great competing against one of my good buddies in Tom Kim, but it’s also very difficult at the same time. I want what’s best for him so sometimes it can be hard and I think, for both of us, battling against each other out there. But, it was a lot of fun and I’m proud to be sitting here with the trophy.”
Two months later, Sheffler competed in the Paris Olympics for Team USA. He brought home a gold medal for Men’s Individual Stroke Play. In August, Sheffler returned to the PGA for the 2024 FedEx Cup which he won as well. The win came with a $25 million prize.
“I’m just proud of the work that we put in,” Scheffler said at the time, per ESPN. “It’s hard to put into words what this year has been like for me. It’s been pretty emotional. There’s been a lot of stuff that’s gone on outside of golf. It’s been a bit of a wild year.”
In August, the eight-member Japanese boy band released their first track, “Don’t Tell Nobody,” — along with the music video — which was written and produced by OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder. The group, however, first launched in June with a performance video of “Kawasaki.” The video gained up to 6 million views in five days. And early this month, a remix for the song and its music video, featuring Big Sean, dropped. The Bounce Back singer discovered One or Eight by watching them perform. NEO opened up to Us about what it was like working with acclaimed musicians, his biggest influences and the kind of artist he strives to be.
We had the opportunity to perform in front of Big Sean … we gave it a shot,” NEO told Us Weekly in an exclusive interview. “We offered him if he could have a verse on our revamp version, and he gave us a generous ‘yes’ and that’s how it all happened.”
While shooting the music video in both Los Angeles and Japan, when Big Sean noticed the group was nervous, he would tell him, “‘Guys, let’s have fun.’ And that energy really helped us kind of enjoy the shoot, which turned out to become a great result as the music video was,” NEO said. “The huge lesson he taught us by how he carried himself out was staying humble.”
NEO also shared a core memory from the set: “There’s a scene where Big Sean’s right in the middle, and the rest of the eight of us were banging our heads with helmets on, but the helmets were so heavy, our necks started to hurt after three seconds, and we had to bang through the whole song. So it’s two straight minutes of banging with a huge bobble on your head,” he said. “That was pretty tough for us, but it was fun.”
In addition to NEO, the other members include MIZUKI, REIA, RYOTA, SOUMA, TAKERU, TSUBASA and YUGA.
NEO described the song’s success as “baffling” and told Us how he and One or Eight’s members want to keep the momentum going.
“There’s a lot of pressure on us because we’re bandwagoning on the virality the ‘Kawasaki’ had, but we have to continuously put out good music,” he said. “So all the members were always in the studio. We’re always practicing, and we’re always prepared for a better performance.”
Their sound is a mix of hip-hop and pop, and NEO told Us that the inspiration comes from those he looks up to in the industry.
“Me, personally, I really look up to J. Cole,” he said. “His lyrics quite literally saved my life and thought-provoking lyrics like that. It’s not easy to write. And being able to be a great songwriter at the same time as a great performer is what I really want to achieve … He’s my role model.”
He continued to explain how the rapper’s 2014 Forest Hills Drive was a “lifesaver” for him: “I had really dark times in my life and listening to that really lifted my head up.”
NEO now wants to pay it forward with One or Eight’s fanbase, noting that he hopes the band can be “a safe space for the listeners.”
Chanel Maya Banks has filed a restraining order against her mother and cousin one month after she was reported missing.
According to court documents obtained by Us Weekly, the Gossip Girl alum, 36, requested a temporary restraining order against her cousin Danielle-Tori Singh on Thursday, December 26. Banks also filed a request for a civil harassment restraining order on her mother and Singh.
In the paperwork, Banks claimed that her mom and cousin have “acted together to harass and spread lies” about her to “ruin” her “credibility” and “acting.” Banks also alleged that both women “manufactured” the story that she was a “missing person” and claimed her husband murdered her.
“They orchestrated this scheme in order to humiliate me publicly and ruin my professional acting career,” Banks claimed in the docs.
Banks also claimed that her mom and Singh “burglarized” her apartment while her husband, who has been referred to as CJ on social media, was home. Banks alleged that her mother and cousin “assaulted” CJ and caused “visible injuries on his face and neck.”
In November, Singh and Banks’ mother filed a missing person’s report after a welfare check revealed that the actress was not at her Los Angeles home.
“Five days without hearing from my cousin is red flags and alarm bells,” Singh told Eyewitness News at the time. “She doesn’t go more than 48 hours without speaking to me or her mom. That girl is more like a big sister to me.”
The L.A. police department revealed hours later that Banks had been found and she was safe. Banks later released a statement to let everyone know she was not missing.
“My name is Chanel Banks I’m a 36-year-old American nobody, and for my entire life I have been silently carrying the pain of the ritual … abuse, manipulation, and outright endless torment I’ve endured continuously since I was a defenseless baby, at the hands of my own so-called family, who are all so very concerned about my current whereabouts,” she told True Crime News in a November statement. “I have met with the police and verified that not only am I OK, but I’m finally free.”
Banks also claimed that she has not been in contact with her relatives for quite some time.
“For decades my family has been my spiritual, physical, and emotional warden, giving me zero authority of my personage,” she continued. “I was not allowed to make any decisions in life in any way without their approval. … Every instance I’d get close to leaving they’d falsify official government documents relaying lies concerning my mental health — for the record — I have no mental health or any other record aside from a parking ticket here and there, so law enforcement would unquestionably and mercilessly pursue me.”
Alabama Barker gave Us the ultimate Christmas gift haul.
Barker, 19, took to TikTok on Thursday, December 26, to show off all the gifts she received for the holiday, including dresses, luxury bags, shoes and more. Alabama, who is the daughter of Travis Barker (who is now married to Kourtney Kardashian) and Shanna Moakler, kicked off the video with gloves and a pink leather wallet ($1,800) from Chrome Hearts.
“This is so tea. We love her,” she gushed while holding up the bubblegum accessory.
Moving onto the many purses she received, Alabama first held up a bedazzled Balenciaga shoulder bag ($7,950) and a Prada number featuring a scrunched up body adorned with crystals and a circular handle.
“I have the pink one of this too, and this is just so tea! Look at how pretty it is,” she gushed. Alabama also got a vintage Dior gold purse ($700), a fuzzy Prada pouch that she’s planning to keep in her car and a quilted Chanel backpack ($3,466), which the one and only Kris Jenner purchased for her. “It’s so cute!” she gushed.
Alabama Barker
While her gifts already seem extravagant, Alabama saved her most expensive — and “favorite — purse for last. “I got my second Birkin for my collection,” Alabama said, holding up the Hermès purse. “We love her!” She gave her fans a closer look at the design, which features gold hardware and a smooth polished finish. A nearly-identical Birkin bag goes for $14,000 to $20,000, according to Sotheby’s.
Besides an envious bag collection, Alabama was also gifted with a chain mail dress, a latex frock and corset, a money-inspired outfit, a leather trench coat that retails for $8,000, per People, $2,850 Balenciaga boots, a $792 Roberto Cavalli cow-print jacket, a Dolce & Gabbana catsuit ($2,345), a Goyard purse ($600), Gucci heels, diamond jewelry and more.
Alabama also shared that her super stylish dad got her a new Cartier Love bracelet for her collection, which he does every year. (Cartier bangles start at $6,000.)
Barefoot Dreams has been living up to its name since 1994. The brand is known for its washable satin creations and cozy knits — including its throw blankets, which are celebrity-approved. The label’s latest collection is full of quilts, winter accessories and clothing for the whole family (even babies!), but right now, we’re eyeing a particular cozy pajama set, which has been discounted as part of Nordstrom’s Half Yearly Sale and is a whopping 33% off!
The Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Ultra Lite Pajamas are made with the same soft fleece as the brand’s popular throw blankets, yet are still lightweight enough for sleeping. The two-piece set has a ton of character, consisting of a raglan-sleeved top with ribbed cuffs and hems as well as loose-fitting, elastic waist pants that are easy to pull on. While the combo is technically considered loungewear, it’s also suitable for casual outings like running errands. It’s ideal for those days when the goal is to be comfy and warm — all you need is to toss on your coat!
Much like many other Barefoot Dreams designs, Norstrom customers love this pajama set.
“This set has been a favorite! It’s stylish, super comfortable and pairs beautifully with an open coat for outdoor leisure wear or traveling in comfort,” one five-star reviewer shared.
“This lounge set surpasses my expectations,” another wrote. “It’s well-made. The weave is not cheap-looking. The hem is rolled and stitched. It’s shorter than I expected. I’m 5’3 and the hem didn’t brush the top of my sneakers. I won’t be throwing a coat over it to run out to do an errand, but I don’t have to get it hemmed. I love it.”
Right now, sizes XS through XL in the Terra colorway are still available to shop, but we have a feeling that won’t last long. A handful of other Barefoot Dreams PJs are completely sold out after Nordstrom put them on sale, so if your loungewear collection could use an update, hurry and add this pick to cart!
Khloé Kardashian took to Instagram on Thursday, December 26, to share a snap of Kylie’s sweet and chic present to Kris, 69. Her black $4,000 Goyard Boston 50 bag featured paintings of all of Kris’ kids as children in chronological order: Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, Khloé, 40, Rob Kardashian, Kendall Jenner and Kylie, 27.
“OMG @kyliejenner this is incredible,” Khloé captioned the snap. “Mom is so lucky.”
While the Kar-Jenner clan is known for their lavish and large Christmas Eve parties, this year they kept things laidback and only hung out with their families. Khloé explained via Instagram that she was unable to attend because her kids, True and Tatum, were both sick, “but it wasn’t really a party this year.”
She elaborated, “It was just us hanging out at Kendall’s house. But still, I missed being with my family.”
The family members still dressed for the occasion, with Kendall, 29, wearing a silky white Phoebe Philo dress, which she styled with gold statement earrings and a bold red lip. Her brunette hair was parted to the side and styled in a bouncy blowout.
Kim, 44, looked just as chic in a bodycon Norma Kamali snakeskin dress and a slicked-back bun. At Kendall’s house, Kim and her daughter North, 11, made multiple TikTok videos together of them dancing. North rocked a white Danielle Guizio corset, a mini bubble skirt, sheer tights and knee-high boots for their festive holiday.
For Christmas, Kim also dropped an experimental video for her cover of “Santa Baby.” The four-minute film saw Home Alone actor Macauley Culkin make a cameo, which felt almost as nostalgic as Kris’ painted bag.
Legette, 23, made the culinary revelation on the December 10 episode of the “St. Brown Podcast,” hosted by Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. “Like, a raccoon you see in the trash can,” Legette said when asked about his hottest food take. “I hunt it. I kill it. I skin ‘em. Cook ‘em. Eat ‘em. All that.”
On Thursday, December 26, Legette arrived at Panthers practice with some Christmas Day raccoon leftovers in a reusable food container.
“We boil that b—- up,” Legette told Panthers special teams coach Daren Bates while showing off the raccoon in a video posted via X. “Let that meat fall off the bone, you know what I’m talkin’ about?”
A skeptical Bates found a spoon and decided to dig in. “Come on, boy,” Legette told him. “I know that jumped straight on them [taste] buds and started dancing!”
When asked by one of his followers, “So how was it?,” Bates responded, “Wasn’t bad. Didn’t taste like I thought it would.”
It wasn’t just Panthers coaches who got in on the raccoon fun, either.
Panthers beat writer Sheena Quick shared her own video interaction with Legette via X. “Y’all gotta try!” Legette told an assembled group of reporters.
Quick picked up a piece of raccoon meat with her fingers and gave it a go herself. “That’s not bad, ain’t it?,” Legette asked her with a big smile on his face.
“It ain’t bad, it ain’t bad,” Quick said.
Quick doubled down via X, writing, “UPDATE: I tried the coon….and it wasn’t bad! Spicy and well-seasoned.”
While passing around the meat, Legette was asked how he can consider himself “a picky eater” when he loves to chow down on raccoon.
“I mean, I don’t eat the bell peppers and all the extra stuff like that,” Legette said in a video captured by Carolina Blitz. “That stuff is too exotic for me.”
Legette also said he won’t eat “onions” for the same reason. “The ‘coon is regular,” Legette said with a laugh.
On the “St. Brown Podcast,” Legette said he’s been eating raccoon all his life, especially around holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving. In addition, Legette said he often enjoys eating squirrel and rabbit.
“Everybody tries to stay stuff tastes like chicken,” Legette explained. “But raccoon got its own taste.”
There’s no denying it. We love the look and feel of durable denim, but sometimes we want to look more polished and refined. If you’re looking for an elevated way to upgrade your wardrobe without stylish jeans, then you need to try chic winter pants instead.
Like most trends, you can snag stylish winter pants on Amazon. From work-friendly pieces to styles with seasonal fabrics, there are so many unique trousers to choose from. It doesn’t matter if you want to opt for a formal look or a casual one, the ‘Zon has you covered. We rounded up 11 stylish winter pants that you can wear instead of denim this winter. Check out our top picks ahead.
1. Our Absolute Favorite: These high-waist plaid trousers are versatile and chic. They feature a midweight fabric, making them perfect for brisk weather — $36!
2. Retro Style: Take a trip back to the ’70s in these corduroy flare-leg pants — $40!
3. Cozy Find: It doesn’t get much cozier than these plush sweatpants — $39!
4. Buttoned Up: We love these corduroy pants because they have a high-waist silhouette and a stylish button closure — $40!
5. Cropped Cutie: If you don’t like your pants touching the ground, these striped corduroy trousers are a great place to start — $!
6. Waffle Knit Comfort: Are you a fan of soft waffle knit fabric? These wide-leg trousers feature soft waffle knit fabric and have a sophisticated design — $37!
7. Elevated Basic: These cozy sweatpants feature a solid pleat down the pant legs for an elevated touch — $24!
8. Velvety Smooth: We can’t get enough of styling plush velvet during the winter. These curve-loving trousers have a flare-leg design that makes them look vintage — $22!
9. Workwear Slay: Are you spending more time in the office? These high-waist trousers are a great way to feel comfortable and chic at work — $39!
10. Barrel Babe: Barrel jeans are all the rage. These navy blue trousers are a great way to channel the trend without actually wearing denim — $33!
11. Last but Not Least: These wide-leg trousers are so chic no one will be able to guess they’re actually yoga pants — $29!
We’ve officially entered that time of year when you’re tired of wearing boots, but it’s too cold to wear slip-on shoes. Enter loafers. Striking a happy medium between staying warm and looking effortlessly chic, loafers are a secret weapon to have in your closet. If you need to add a pair (or two) to your shoe collection, we rounded up the best pairs from Amazon, Madewell, Nordstrom, Walmart and more — starting at $10!
When looking for the best loafers for winter, consider the elements. If you’re battling wet and cold climates, opt for water-resistant materials with plenty of traction on the sole. And because it’s so cold, your loafers should provide plenty of room to wear socks. Last, this shoe should be enjoyable to style! Instead of a classic brown or black hue this winter, opt for a trendy metallic pair. Ahead, find the best loaders for winter that are functional and stylish.
8 Chic Winter Loafers for Every Budget
1. Most Popular: The Bradley Lugsole Loafer is perfect for any season, but especially winter. They’re roomy enough to wear with bulky socks — $142 (originally $158) at Madewell!
2. Gold buckle loafers: The Bibi Lou Zagreb Loafers stand out among other loafers thanks to the bold gold buckle, adding a striking detail perfect for winter — $160 at Anthropologie!
3. Stunning design: These stunning loafers from Dolce Vita strike the perfect balance of comfort and design. The silver-studded shoes dress up any winter ‘fit with ease — $63 (originally $140) at Nordstrom!
4. Sophisticated suede: Quince is known for offering high-quality items without the expensive price tag. Take these loafers, for example. They’re crafted with 100% suede, and they’re under $100! Bonus: They’re water-resistant and feature a non-slip natural rubber outsole — $79 at Quince!
5. Metallic loafers: It’s hard to believe that the Time and Tru Penny Loafers are under $10 right now! The shoes remind Us of another brand’s metallic shoes, which cost nearly eight times as much as these loafers. They boast a classic silhouette and low-stacked heel — $10 (originally $15) at Walmart!
6. Office-ready: Finding the best winter loafers for work in the winter can be challenging, but luckily there’s the Cole Haan Stassi Penny Loafer. Crafted with leather and velvet materials, these kicks are durable, comfortable and stylish — $100 (originally $115) at Amazon!
7. Splurge-worthy: You won’t regret splurging on this pair of romantic loafers from J. Crew. They boast a vintage silhouette paired with dainty tassels — $112 (originally $228) at J.Crew!
8. Lug sole loafers: The Franco Sarto Cassandra Loafers feature a stylish lug sole that pairs well with wide-leg pants. The shoes are made with leather uppers and a glossy finish — $55 (originally $89) at Amazon!
Even Jennifer Lopez’s biggest haters can’t deny that she’s got some serious style. Whether she’s casually strolling alongside her kids or walking the red carpet, the multi-hyphenate mom of two always brings her fashion A-game — and her recent trip to Aspen, Colorado is no different.
On December 26, Lopez was spotted sipping a hot beverage, bundled up in a beige, wool-blend jacquard cardigan from Polo Ralph Lauren that she paired with a white turtleneck, wide-leg jeans and oversized shades. However, our eyes quickly focused on the star’s footwear: A bulky pair of brown boots, which we determined to be the Ugg Ultra Mini New Heights Boots.
Surprisingly, smack in the middle of winter, this statement shoe is currently on sale, and those looking to add a stylish twist to their winter wardrobe can snag it for 36% off at Amazon.
Get the Ugg Ultra Mini New Heights Boots for $109 (originally $170) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, December 27, 2024, but are subject to change.
It should come as no surprise that Lopez is rocking this suede platform pick. Aside from the obvious warmth factor, which comes courtesy of the soft UGGplush lining, the chestnut colorway is neutral enough to pair with a variety of outfits, from jeans to jumpsuits. Lopez was also spotted wearing a similar pair of boots in April 2024, proving that this shoe style has become part of her signature look.
Lopez isn’t alone in giving the Ugg Ultra Mini New Heights Boots her stamp of approval. Amazon customers have also been happy with their purchase, pointing out the shoe’s unique platform design and comfy feel.
“These Uggs are so cute!” one 5-star reviewer wrote. “I wear a 6 1/2 -7 normally but bought a size 6 and they fit great. I love how they are a bit fancier than the other style that has the flat-across platform. So comfortable and warm too.”
“These are amazing!” added another shopper. “They fit like a glove and are easy to walk in. I’ve had them for three days and had multiple compliments. I just ordered in black.”
One person titled their review “Super comfortable & warm” and made sure to highlight how these boots always manage to wow.
“My wife loves these boots!” they said. “She constantly receives compliments on them when she’s out and about. They are extremely comfortable, and with the seasons changing, they are warm.”
Sadly, winter won’t be ending any time soon — which means now is the perfect time to add these babies to cart, especially while they’re discounted. Considering Lopez herself is known to wear Ugg boots through the spring season, you’re sure to get your money’s worth!
Get the Ugg Ultra Mini New Heights Boots for $109 (originally $170) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, December 27, 2024, but are subject to change.
According to court documents obtained by Us Weekly on Friday, December 27, Brandt, 51, filed for divorce from her husband and cited irreconcilable differences as the legal grounds behind the breakup.
The actress indicated in court documents that she is seeking joint legal and physical custody of her and Olsen’s son, August, 16, and stated that the couple will need to split up any property. It’s unclear if the pair had a prenuptial agreement in place.
Although Brandt filed for divorce on December 23, she listed the couple’s date of separation as August 1, 2023 — just one month before their 25th wedding anniversary.
The divorce was filed “pro per” without a lawyer. Us Weekly has reached out to Brandt’s rep for any comment.
Brandt is best known for her portrayal of Marie Schrader in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. After the franchise came to an end, the actress flexed her comedy skills in the CBS sitcom Life in Pieces.
Betsy Brandt and Grady Olsen
While Brandt tried to keep her relationship with Olsen out of the spotlight, the pair stepped out for major Hollywood events over the years.
In September 2022, the couple walked the red carpet at the AMC Networks’ Emmy Brunch Photocall at Ysabel in Los Angeles.
Olsen would also attend major events like the SAG Awards and the Breaking Bad series premiere screening in 2008. The AMC drama, which also starred Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, became one of Brandt’s favorite projects of her career.
“I was lucky enough to be on a show like Breaking Bad for five seasons. It changes how you look at other projects that come up,” Brandt told VH1 in 2017 when reflecting on how her role as Marie Schrader impacted her career. “You look at anything and you’re like, ‘Is this as good as Breaking Bad?’ It took a while for me to stop comparing every project that comes my way to that.”
As Brandt prepares to begin a new chapter of her life in 2025, she appears to be ending the year in a grateful place as she looks back on some of the good memories from the past year.
“If some very special groundhog sees his shadow can I get three more months of Fall at Stonecliffe on Mackinac Island?” she wrote via Instagram in November. “Don’t miss it next year. ”
A few weeks back, Sarah Jessica Parker took to Instagram to share the many things she carries with her on days she’s filming And Just Like That. The mom of three had hand sanitizer, Dior lip gloss, hair ties, Papermate pens and a Tootsie roll lollipop in her custom-painted canvas tote — essentials that many other mothers might carry, too. But what caught my eye was something nostalgic: a retro drugstore scent that smells like memories,Skin Musk perfume.
As Parker highlighted each item, she noted where she got them and why she considers these must-haves her favorites. As for the fragrance, the age-defying 59-year-old actress said, “I mean…Bonne Bell Skin Musk. There’s not a lot more to say on that,” with a heavy dose of IYKYK to her tone.
If you don’t recall, Bonne Bell launched the legendary lip-smacking balms that were in every Gen X’s Hello Kitty wallet as a kid. It also made beautiful fragrances, like Skin Musk, which all the cool kids wore. As an elder Gen X herself, SJP is so enamored that she still can’t leave home without it! Unaware it was still available, I immediately needed to find this fragrance. As it turns out, Bonne Bell no longer manufactures it, but Skin Musk is still available at Walmart, and shoppers say one spritz is enough to time-machine you to your pre-teen years. Even better, the throwback is just $13!
I’m not alone in feeling nostaglic about the soft floral, sandalwood and musk fragrance. Legions of shoppers have been thrilled to find the skin scent, saying it never fails to garner compliments. One devotee said, “I have used this musky cologne for over 40 years, back to when it was owned by Bonne Bell. It is still my favorite, and I still get compliments on it. It’s a great cologne for a great price.”
Another shopper concurs, writing “I used to wear this in my younger days, and when I sprayed this today, it brought back so many memories. And it had the same scent as usual and lasted for half a day. It’s not overpowering. It’s a warm and inviting scent and you only need a little bit. It’s such a lovely scent. I would recommend it to anyone.”
This fragrance also gets the rare distinction of being a year-round winner. As we’re not-so-patiently waiting for Carrie Bradshaw’s return to our TV screens with AJLT season three, we can at least have the olfactory pleasure of smelling like her. Fans say the bottles go out of stock periodically and are not sold in stores, so shop it while you can.
Ingo Rademacher wants to head back to court against ABC for his firing from General Hospital following Steve Burton’s recent return to the soap opera.
According to court documents obtained by Us Weekly, Rademacher, 53, filed a motion on Thursday, December 26, requesting a new trial against the network citing there was new evidence.
In the filing, Rademacher alleged that Burton’s recent return to General Hospital “undermines” ABC’s argument that Rademacher’s “political beliefs did not play any role in its decision to fire him” back in 2021.
In November 2021, both Rademacher and Burton were fired from General Hospital due to their refusal to comply with the show’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Rademacher, who played Jax on the ABC soap for 25 years, was vocal about his beliefs on vaccination requirements. Before his firing, he advocated for “medical freedom” via his Instagram page.
One month after his exit from General Hospital, Rademacher announced he was taking legal action against ABC for their policy. Rademacher followed through and engaged in a legal battle with the network where he accused ABC of religious discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination and violation of his right to privacy.
(L-R) Ingo Rademacher and Steve Burton
ABC denied Rademacher’s allegations. The network claimed their decision to let Rademacher go was based on health reasons, not due to his religious beliefs. In June 2023, a judge sided with ABC.
Burton, for his part, did not seek legal action against the network. Instead, he joined the cast of Days of Our Lives in April 2022, reprising his role of Harris Michaels whom he played in 1988.
“I just shot my final scenes here on Days of Our Lives and I just want to say, thank you so much to the cast [and] to the crew. It’s been amazing,” Burton said in a January video uploaded to the Daily Drama’s YouTube page. “I can’t believe it’s been a year already! So, thank you so much to the fans. It’s just … I’m always so full of gratitude. So thank you. Stay tuned.”
Two months later, it was announced that Burton was set to return to General Hospital to reprise his role of Jason Morgan, three years after his firing. He made his first reappearance on the soap opera in March.
“Look who’s back in the ring! ,” the show’s official Instagram teased in March. “@1SteveBurton has officially returned to Port Charles … and that’s all we can tell you (for now). #GH #GeneralHospital.”
Hudson added a geotag to the post, letting her followers know she made the sweatshirt while stationed in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, home of the University of North Carolina.
On December 12, Hudson’s boyfriend, Bill Belichick, was announced as the new head football coach at the school.
Belichick, 72, signed a five-year, $50 million contract to coach the Tar Heels, his return to the sidelines after parting ways with the NFL’s New England Patriots in January 2023 following 24 seasons as the franchise’s coach.
“We are onto Chapel Hill!!!” Hudson posted via her Instagram Story at the time.
While Hudson did not specify, the custom-made sweatshirt might make its debut at North Carolina’s bowl game on Saturday, December 28. The Tar Heels take on the UConn Huskies in the 2024 Fenway Bowl at Boston’s Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox.
While Belichick will not be coaching the team — he will make his debut when the 2025 season kicks off August 30, 2025 — it’s possible he’ll be in the stands for the game, with Hudson by his side.
“I am excited for the opportunity at UNC-Chapel Hill,” Belichick said in a statement after being hired. “I grew up around college football with my dad and treasured those times. I have always wanted to coach in college and now I look forward to building the football program in Chapel Hill.”
Belichick’s father, Steve, was an assistant coach at North Carolina from 1953 to 1955.
“This is an exciting day for Carolina football and our University,” university chancellor Lee H. Roberts said in a statement. “Carolina is committed to excellence and to creating an opportunity to succeed in everything we do, from the classroom to the field of competition. I know after speaking with Coach Belichick that he shares that commitment. His legacy speaks for itself, and we look forward to working together on the next chapter of Carolina football.”
As for Belichick’s relationship with Hudson, the pair met in 2021 while seated next to each other on an airplane when Hudson was still in college.
Hudson made their relationship Instagram official in October 2024 before the couple made their red carpet debut on December 5 at the American Museum of Natural History’s 2024 Museum Gala in New York City.
Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen‘s complicated romance was thrust into the spotlight on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives — and their relationship status remains unclear.
The couple started dating before the show premiered on Hulu. Dakota was Taylor’s first public boyfriend after her divorce from husband Tate Paul due to a high-profile “soft swinging” sex scandal.
Before The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives debuted in September 2024, Taylor and Dakota faced major ups and downs — including a domestic violence arrest — before they expanded their family with son Ever. (Taylor also shares Indy and Ocean with Tate.)
“All I can say is I have never felt more purpose in my life. I also have never been so proud of someone. Taylor is an absolute bad ass that I just fell more and more in love with,” Dakota wrote via Instagram in March 2024. “She has been so incredible and I couldn’t be more thankful that I get to call her the mother of our beautiful boy.”
He continued: “I am on freaking cloud 9 !!!! All I have ever wanted was to have a family one day and to be a dad. So thankful and blessed for everything I have in my life.”
“I’m pretty much known from my headlines of ‘Swinger Mom.’ I mean, the arrest, unfortunately, was another big all over the internet. And so I would say those things are pretty negative — obviously the [arrest] but the swinger one was also not a good thing I want to be known for the rest of my life,” Taylor exclusively told Us Weekly one month after the Hulu series premiered. “So, for the show, I really wanted them to see me and more of me and my personality and a deeper level. I feel like I come off so different online than I actually am in a conversation. So I felt like this was my chance to tell my story and get a deeper look into who I am.”
The reality star went on to say she wished viewers saw more of Dakota’s “good soft side.”
“I feel like for him, that wasn’t shown on the show. It did show just defense,” she noted in September 2024. “So he’s like, ‘I look like this asshole to you while you’re pregnant — when that’s just not the case of how I treated you the whole time. Yes, I did defend myself in cases, but that’s not how I am to you.'”
Hulu renewed the show for a second season as Taylor and Dakota attempted to figure out their future together. The pair have since offered glimpses of them spending time together — but also shared posts hinting they’re no longer an item.
Keep scrolling to relive Taylor and Dakota’s relationship:
Taylor announced her divorce from Tate via TikTok, writing, “In my twenties, getting divorced, started therapy, living on my own for the first time ever along with two little kids.”
“I think we were all drinking and partying and the guys were like, ‘You girls should make out,’ and that’s that. It wasn’t a big deal to me,” Taylor recalled on “The Viall Files” podcast after The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives was released. “[It was] making out in the same bed, intercourse in the same bed next to each other, the girls kissing and the husbands touching the other’s wife. It just starts to escalate.”
July 2022
Taylor introduced Dakota when she posted a TikTok of them. “I will not be sharing this one,” she quipped in the caption.
November 2022
The pair announced that they were expecting their first child together. Taylor subsequently suffered an ectopic pregnancy.
February 2023
Following a heated fight with Dakota, Taylor was arrested for domestic violence. She was ultimately charged with aggravated assault, two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse with injury and criminal mischief after the incident. Taylor pleaded guilty six months later to aggravated assault, while the other four charges were dismissed with prejudice. She reached a plea deal the following month.
Dakota told the Daily Mail in an interview that Taylor would never hurt anyone “intentionally,” adding, “She’s a good mom, she’s going through a lot in her life right now. Taylor’s been struggling, it’s been a hard year for her. She is racked with guilt [over] her cheating scandal that cost her her marriage.”
Taylor revealed she and Dakota were expecting their rainbow baby.
March 2024
After filming The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Taylor gave birth to her and Dakota’s son.
“Dakota, he was such a good partner in the process and very supportive,” she said in a confessional about her birth, which was filmed after production initially wrapped. “I’m like, on cloud nine, and this is like the first time I’ve been so confident in us, in a future. I just — I hope that I can trust him.”
September 2024
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives premiered with eight episodes that followed Mormon mom influencers who were caught up in a swinging sex scandal. In addition to Taylor, the series introduced Us to Whitney Leavitt, Jen Affleck, Demi Engemann, Mikayla Matthews, Mayci Neeley, Jessi Ngatikaura and Layla Taylor.
Taylor and Dakota’s rocky relationship was the focus of the first season. Their issues included cheating claims, an argument over Taylor attending a Chippendales show in Las Vegas and more.
“It wasn’t something he was wanting to bring on the show,” Taylor exclusively told Us about rumors Dakota slept with someone named Jenna. “I guess at the end of the day, we’ll see how that ends up going because I don’t know. I have no problem with it though.”
On the show, Dakota denied hooking up with Jenna or stepping out on Taylor once they made things official. (The first season ended with Mayci calling Jenna, but the finale wrapped before their conversation was heard by the audience.)
“At the end of the day, I was like, ‘Why is this an issue to call?’ I was fine with her calling her because I am like, ‘What is there to hide?’” Taylor added at the time. “If there’s nothing to hide, there should be no question. But that is a very major trigger for me, and he knows that.”
Taylor admitted to Us that she was in no rush to get engaged to Dakota.
“I just want to take my time with this time around, this is my second marriage. It is going to be very important to me, and I don’t want to end up in another situation of being divorced,” she explained. “So, I really just want everything to be really solid and have a foundation of trust. And so I feel like that takes time. I would love for that to be the end goal. But right now, I think building it up to that is where I’m at.”
The Hulu personality also discussed how she and Dakota were preparing to watch their ups and downs on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
“I feel like I might’ve vented to my mom and been a little harsh — and he’s very sensitive — so I feel like it could be a lot harder for him,” she continued. “Also it could be triggering, too, to bring up these conversations. Especially, I think I’ve heard the [season] cliffhanger, so that in itself stirs up some stuff. We are doing good today, we’re going through work, so I really hope that not too much comes out.”
October 2024
During an interview for Us‘ cover story, Taylor revealed she and Dakota were at odds off screen.
“It’s really hard for me to watch [the ups and downs with me and Dakota] because it’s all such true feelings. None of it is fabricated or acting or nothing. It’s all real,” she noted. “So it’s really hard for me to watch that back to that. That’s probably one of the hardest moments.”
Taylor said she wasn’t sure about her relationship status with Dakota.
“I would say we’re working on things and I actually have no idea where it goes with us from here. We are not fully together, but not fully done. I don’t know where the future holds with him and I,” she admitted. “It’s just a lot. So I’m coping and trying to cope. But I don’t want to watch the show.”
November 2024
The speculation about Taylor and Dakota‘s relationship status continued when she shared a video of him doing chores around their home and giving her flowers.
“At least he be tryin,” she captioned the post. Her costar Layla poked fun at Dakota in the comments section, replying, “GIRL IM TIREDDDDDD.”
December 2024
Taylor hinted she wasn’t in a relationship with Dakota when she shared a holiday card without him. Eagle-eyed fans, however, noticed another version posted by Taylor’s mother that featured Dakota.
“Chaos to pure silence. Wouldn’t wish this pain upon anyone,” Taylor wrote alongside a video of her crying. “If you’re there, take a drive, scream, cry, feel the pain, because I promise avoiding it will make it much worse.”
Taylor elaborated in the caption, adding, “I was told you got through this once, you’ll get through it again. #coparenting #loss #relationships.”
In the comments section, a follower noted that “Dakota’s TikTok brought” them to Taylor’s account. “Just happy he can have his day with him,” she replied in reference to her and Dakota’s son, Ever.
Dakota, meanwhile, uploaded a video of him preparing for the holiday festivities solo. “Wrapping presents alone. But I am sober and can be there for my son’s first Christmas,” he captioned the video before adding in a separate post, “He is the only gift I’ll ever need in my life. I love being a dad.”
Eubanks was part of the original cast of Southern Charm, which premiered in 2014. After six seasons, she shocked fans in May 2020 when she announced her departure. That same month, Eubanks shut down claims that she left due to her husband, Jason Wimberly, being unfaithful.
“It has come to my attention that insidious rumors are now spreading and fake articles are being written … some of which pertain to my marriage,” she wrote via Instagram at the time, sharing that leaving Southern Charm was partly to “protect what is sacred” to her and that “some things aren’t worth a big paycheck.”
Eubanks exclusively told Us Weekly in April 2022 that she has no plans to come back, explaining, “If I was to ever go back on television, it would have to be something boring that didn’t involve fighting or having to talk about people.”
Scroll through for an update on the former Southern Charm stars:
Following her departure from Southern Charm at the end of season 9, Flowers found love with Alex Williams. The pair got engaged in September 2024 and are planning their dream wedding.
While it’s unclear if some of her former costars will be invited to the ceremony, Flowers confirmed she is in a better place with Taylor Ann Green.
“If we’re gonna do it more local, of course [some will be invited],” she told Us Weekly in December 2024 about her wedding guest list. “But if we do destination, it’ll probably be a little bit more intimate.”
Since fans last saw her on Season 8 of Southern Charm, Olindo has continued her career in the design world. She also remains hard at work on L’Abeye, a lifestyle brand curated by Olindo for fashion-forward women.
After dealing with a public split from Craig Conover on Southern Charm, Olindo has vowed to keep her dating life more private and away from any cameras.
Eubanks starred on the Bravo series for six seasons before her May 2020 exit. Since then, the Real World: San Diego alum has released her first book, One Day You’ll Thank Me, in February 2021. Eubanks also continues to gush over daughter Palmer, who was born in 2017.
In May 2018, two women accused the former politician of sexual assault, including his kids’ former nanny. Ravenel, who shares two children with ex Kathryn Dennis, was arrested in September 2018 for the alleged assault, which he denied.
Ravenel pled guilty to third-degree assault and battery in connection to the attack on the nanny. He paid a $500 fine and donated $80,000 to a sexual assault survivors' charity.
After being fired from the show, Ravenel chose to keep a low profile on social media. He welcomed son Jonathan with Heather Mascoe in June 2020.
Clements appeared on the reality series for three seasons before calling it quits in 2017. After her exit, Clements moved to Los Angeles to become a real estate advisor. She has used her social media to highlight her various vacations and her reunions with Southern Charm cast members such as Shep Rose.
Following her split from Austen Kroll, Meissner appeared as a main cast member during seasons 5 and 6. Since her departure, the former Bravo personality has documented her travels on social media and stayed in touch with several of her Southern Charm cast members.
Meissner made a small return to reality TV alongside former Survivor costar Kim Spradlin-Wolfe in HGTV's Why the Heck Did I Buy This House? in April 2022.
In April 2023, she announced that she was pregnant with her first child. "You just never know what God has in store for you," Meissner captioned a video of ultrasound pictures via Instagram, revealing she was due that September. Though she didn't reveal the identity if her child's father, she did tease that she is "lucky to have one hell of a man!"
Meissner confirmed her little one’s arrival in October 2023, revealing via her Instagram Story on October 19 that she was “one month postpartum.”
Limehouse retired from reality TV after two seasons on Southern Charm. The jewelry designer got engaged to Mark McBride Jr in February 2020. After exchanging vows later that year, the pair announced that they were expecting their first child. Limehouse welcomed their son in December 2020.
The South Carolina native is also the owner of Snaffle Bit Bracelet Company and candle company Private Label by PCC.
After her short stint on Southern Charm, King left Charleston and moved to Los Angeles. The former reality star, who has preferred to stay low key on social media, last offered a glimpse at her life in August 2021.
Following her split from Ravenel, Jacobs started dating Mike Appel in 2019. The duo tied the knot in March 2021 and welcomed son Grayson later that year.
In November 2024, Jacobs welcomed another baby boy. "Our hearts have never been so full," she wrote via Instagram. "Our family is complete!"
OG cast member Dennis announced her exit from the series after eight seasons in January 2023, calling her time on Bravo a “wild ride” in a statement. “Can you believe I was 21 when I first started filming Southern Charm, back in its first season? That was in 2013, and in the decade that followed, it’s safe to say my life changed in ways I could never imagine,” she added. “It hasn’t always been easy, but I’m so lucky to have had reality cameras there, capturing so many moments that I’ll never forget (and a few, even, that I’d like to).”
The day of her exit announcement, Dennis — who continues to coparent with Ravenel — hinted at a new beginning via Instagram. “In order to rise from its own ashes, a phoenix first must burn. – Octavia Butler,” she captioned a photo of herself holding a drink.
Baird made her Southern Charm debut on season 1 as a friend of the main group. She continued to appear more frequently from season 2 through season 7 before exiting the series in 2021. Following her departure, Baird has continued to work in Charleston, South Carolina, as an artist. In October 2023, she announced via Instagram that she’s pregnant with her first baby. She also publicly shared the identity of her partner, Nicholas Volz, for the first time in the post.
The couple celebrated two milestones the following year: the birth of son Yates and their engagement.
In November 2024, the couple officially exchanged vows at a private residence in South Carolina.
Robert Pattinson‘s caped crusader will go back to the Batcave for a sequel to the March 2022 film The Batman.
Warner Bros. confirmed the follow-up film at CinemaCon in late April 2022, just a little less than two months after The Batman hit theaters.
“Thank you all for your tremendous support for The Batman,” Reeves told told the Las Vegas CinemaCon crowd in April 2022 when Warner Bros. announced the movie. “We couldn’t have gotten here without the faith and enthusiasm of all your teams around the world. I’m excited to jump back into this world for the next chapter.”
Pattinson previously said that though he took a long break from franchises after wrapping the five-film Twilight Saga in 2012, he actually hoped to return as the DC Comics superhero and show his growth.
“It was so fun doing it. I’m down to do this for as many times as people want to see it, really,” he told Fandango in February 2022 ahead off the first film’s release. “I’ve talked to Matt about the idea of doing a trilogy. I know it would be wonderful. I really, really enjoyed the process, and it’s such a fun character to play. Yeah, that’d be lovely.”
Find out everything we know so far about Pattinson’s The Batman sequel below:
The Batman Part II was initially set to hit theaters on October 3, 2025, but the film was delayed following the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023. In March 2024, Warner Bros. announced that a new release date was set for 2026, but by the end of 2024, the date was moved again to October 1, 2027, more than five years after the initial film's debut.
While Pattinson was the only confirmed cast member when the sequel was announced in April 2022, the film left the door open for other stars to return, including Kravitz as Selina Kyle/Catwoman, Jeffrey Wright as Jim Gordon and Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth. Colin Farrell could also return as The Penguin/Oswald Cobblepot, but that will likely depend on what happens to his character in his HBO Max spinoff series.
Matt Reeves will return to helm the second film. The War for the Planet of the Apes filmmaker cowrote the 2022 movie's script with Peter Craig and is expected to help write the follow up.
Even before the sequel was confirmed, plot speculation began. Pattinson revealed he has a personal preference when it comes to adapting comic book arcs.
“I was definitely kind of thinking Court of Owls is probably gonna be in the sequel,” Pattinson told Vanity Fair in March 2022. “It definitely seems like — well, I mean, I am literally just guessing, I just keep saying it.”
The Court of Owls is an organization formed by Gotham’s most wealthy and powerful families, and they are pulling all the strings in Gotham for their own benefit. Considering how the first film explained Gotham’s politics and the power of the wealthy people who shaped the city, it’s easy to see why Pattinson is theorizing that those themes will be explored further.
While Pattinson hopes for a Court of Owls appearance, Reeves said he could envision Mr. Freeze in a sequel.
"In my view, I just feel drawn to finding the grounded version of everything. So to me it would be a challenge in an interesting way to try and figure out how that could happen, even the idea of something like Mr. Freeze, that such a great story, right?" he told Collider in February. "I think there's actually a grounded version of that story, which could be really powerful and could be really great."
The Joker (Barry Keoghan) appeared briefly at the very end of The Batman, and there wasn't even a clear shot of his face. It seemed like the Dark Knight already put him behind bars, but Arkham Asylum is known for mastermind escapees.
Reeves is keeping the title for Pattinson's next outing simple. In January 2023, Gunn and Safran confirmed that the sequel is called The Batman Part II.
