While this week has kept this editor too stunned to speak, our distractions staff is never too stunned to write. This week in entertainment has brought new movie trailers, new music and — insanely enough — a show cancellation. It’s been a little overwhelming to say the least, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a rundown of the drama that’s shaken not only MomTok, but the country.
‘The Bachelorette’ drama: Looks like love is canceled
Season 22 of ABC’s “The Bachelorette” was canceled just days before its premiere on March 22, a response to the Utah police investigation involving the program’s Bachelorette, Taylor Frankie Paul.
The “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star and her ex-partner, Dakota Mortensen, are being investigated after the West Jordan Police Department received a phone call about allegations of domestic assault involving Paul.
ABC’s cancellation followed TMZ’s release of a 2023 video of a physical altercation between Paul and Mortensen. The video showed Paul hitting, kicking and throwing furniture at Mortensen while a child sat nearby.
Along with “The Bachelorette,” “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” also paused recording of its fifth season, its fourth premiering earlier this month.
Many fans agree that the contestants from Season 22 will be greatly affected after none of their footage is aired. “The Bachelorette” suitors typically do not get paid to compete on the show, and many spend a lot of money on their wardrobe.
Because ABC reserves the right to air the program’s footage, it is unlikely that the contestants can sue for the cancellation. Lily Agee
Alliances are questioned and stakes are high in ‘Survivor 50’
Episode four of “Survivor 50” reiterates the chaos and intense dynamics following last episode’s tribe swap.
The first in-person celebrity cameo this season came as a challenge reward: whichever tribe won the challenge got an afternoon with country singer Zac Brown, who spearfished, cooked and sang for them. Cila tribe member and Season 45 winner Dee Valladares expressed excitement for the reward, but the Kalo tribe won it.
The challenge sent Vatu back to Tribal Council for the second time in a row, where the tribe blindsided Mike White with a 3-2-1 split vote, sending him home.
Catch “Survivor 50” Wednesdays on CBS or Paramount+. Jesse Jones
It’s a ‘Brand New Day’ for a webslinging icon
Marvel Studios revealed the official trailer for this summer’s “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” giving audiences a brief look into Peter Parker’s tumultuous adventures after the events of “No Way Home.”
The trailer showcased the return of Tom Holland’s character, struggling with the aftermath of “No Way Home” – Peter Parker reading his letter to MJ detailing his sacrifice from the previous movie. The preview also presented new challenges and dangers, hinting that Spider-Man will be fighting against an “unseen enemy” and – possibly himself?
Returning characters like Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner and Mac Gargan’s Scorpion will be joined by Jon Bernthal, who will be debuting as The Punisher. New villains will include Marvel’s Boomerang, Tarantula and The Hand, a ninja clan from the Daredevil series.
Fans speculate that Sadie Sink’s new character could be a new version of Jean Grey, a telepathic founding X-Men member. However, her character seems more like a villain to Spider-Man than a friend.
It’s looking like the film will be one of the most anticipated films of the summer, following big pictures like “Toy Story 5,” “The Devil Wears Prada 2” and “The Odyssey.”
If you are excited to finally see what the fourth installment in the Spider-Man franchise looks like, “Brand New Day” is coming to theaters July 31. Lily Agee
‘Ready or Not 2’ doubles down on the stakes
Seven years after the original, the sequel to “Ready or Not” arrives, thrusting Grace — and now her sister — into yet another deadly game of hide-and-seek.
After Grace’s victory over the Le Domas family, she is faced with a new challenge: double or nothing. Four rival families now have the opportunity to hunt her down and win the now-vacant High Seat, ruling the world — but if Grace wins, she gets the seat.
The film expands on the first in creative ways, from fight choreography to hilarious interactions, but ultimately leans too heavily on its predecessor’s success. However, that doesn’t stop Samara Weaving from dominating the screen and bringing back her iconic final girl scream. Jesse Jones
Savior or political opportunist? What’s in store in ‘Dune: Part Three’
“Dune: Part Three” is the upcoming conclusion to Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune” trilogy, set to release on Dec. 18, 2026. The initial trailer was released on March 17, 2026.
The movie is an adaptation of the second book in the original series, “Dune: Messiah,” by Frank Herbert. The movie will follow Paul “Maud’Dib” Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) 17 years after his initial victory over House Harkonnen, where he has fully embraced his false title of “Messiah” bestowed upon him by the Fremen people for his own political gain.
While writing the script, Villeneuve said he noted Herbert’s original intentions for “Dune: Messiah” to be a critique of the Messiah archetype and hopes to preserve that aspect of the book in the final film. Logan Bowman
BTS is back by popular demand with ‘ARIRANG’
K-pop supergroup BTS came back as seven for the first time since 2022 on March 20 with their new album, “ARIRANG.” The album pays tribute to traditional South Korean sounds and history, incorporating modern beats and lyrics. Highly anticipated by BTS’s fanbase, ARMY, the music recaptures the sound of existing BTS music while also integrating newer sounds and elements from the members’ solo albums.
The title track, “SWIM,” is entirely in English, along with other songs on the album, while others feature both English and Korean. “Riverdale” actress Lili Reinhart stars in the “SWIM” music video along with all seven BTS members. BTS held their comeback concert in Seoul, South Korea, on March 21, which was livestreamed on Netflix.
“ARIRANG” is now available on all streaming platforms. Jenene Grover
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