Bridgerton adds new cast members for season 5
Netflix’s hit series Bridgerton has added three new cast members for its upcoming fifth season, which will focus on the romance between Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd) and Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza). Tega Alexander (The Sandman) joins as Christopher Anderson, the Regency-era son of Lord Marcus Anderson (Daniel Francis), described as a charming yet self-doubting socialite. Jacqueline Boatswain (Carnival Row) will play Helen Stirling, Michaela’s spirited mother who guides her daughter through London’s social season with a mix of tough love and vivacity. Gemma Knight Jones (Mobland) is cast as Lady Elizabeth Ashworth, Michaela’s confidante and London guide, known for her charm and grounded realism. Production on the eight-episode season has begun in the UK, following a first-look teaser released last month. The season explores Francesca, the introverted middle Bridgerton daughter, reentering the marriage market two years after her husband’s death. (IANS)
Jenna Ortega nearly quit acting before You role
Jenna Ortega revealed she nearly quit acting after her Disney series Stuck in the Middle ended, feeling uncertain about her future and needing to impress new casting directors. Speaking on Kid Cudi’s podcast, she said she and her team seriously considered stepping away from acting as she started high school. However, landing the role of Ellie Alves in Netflix’s You became a turning point, reigniting her passion for the craft. Ortega described loving her experience on set, which convinced her to continue her career. Since then, she has starred in films including X, Scream VI, Beetlejuice 2, and Death of a Unicorn, and leads Netflix’s Wednesday. She is set to star in the remake of Single White Female and in Taika Waititi’s adaptation of Klara and the Sun. (PTI)
Hailee Steinfeld seeks more uninterrupted family time
Hollywood actress Hailee Steinfeld, 29, has shared her love for “uninterrupted” family time following the birth of her first child with NFL star Josh Allen on April 2. Speaking to Architectural Digest, she emphasized valuing meals without technology and enjoying meaningful conversations with family and friends. Steinfeld, whose mother is an interior designer, said she and Josh want their homes in New York and California to feel warm, bright, and inviting, with soft lighting that encourages comfort. Married to Allen in 2025, she balances her acting career with family life. Allen, proud of Hailee’s recent performance in Sinners, expressed his support for her success, saying he is happy to take a back seat and let her shine, while splitting time between his NFL career and family life. (IANS)
Akshay Kumar hurt performing stunt on Bhooth Bangla
On Thursday, a behind-the-scenes video from the upcoming horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla showed Akshay Kumar injuring himself while performing a mid-air jump kick. The extent of the injury and date of the incident remain unclear. Directed by Priyadarshan, the film reunites the duo after 15 years, following hits like Hera Pheri and Bhool Bhulaiyaa. The cast also includes Tabu, Paresh Rawal, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Rajpal Yadav. Kumar, trained in multiple martial arts, expressed frustration over the film industry’s reliance on VFX and AI for action sequences, emphasizing his desire to perform real stunts for authenticity. (PTI)
