If you’ve ever mimicked a wild golf swing in your backyard while yelling, “Happy learned how to putt!”—good news: Happy Gilmore is officially back. After nearly 30 years, Adam Sandler’s hot-headed, hockey-loving golf prodigy returns in Happy Gilmore 2, landing on Netflix just in time to become the comedy hit of the summer.

The original Happy Gilmore opened in theaters in 1996 and soon teed its way into cult classic status. With its mix of off-the-wall humor, catchphrases, and Sandler’s iconic performance, the movie became a staple of ’90s comedy. Decades later, fans are finally getting to return to Happy’s universe—and it’s looking like one giant reunion bash.

Sandler revisits the role that propelled him into fame, and he’s not going solo. Julie Bowen reprises her role as Virginia, Christopher McDonald is back sneering again as Shooter McGavin, and Ben Stiller reprises his role as the world’s most frightful nursing home orderly, Hal L.

There are some new faces in the action as well—Sandler’s actual daughters, Sunny and Sadi, are accompanied by newcomers such as Eric André, Margaret Qualley, and Martin Herlihy. Additionally, music and sports royalty are dropping in for cameos such as Bad Bunny, Eminem, Post Malone, Travis Kelce, John Daly, and golfing greats like Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Jack Nicklaus.

Off-camera, several of the original creatives have also come back together. First, Happy Gilmore co-writer Tim Herlihy returns to script alongside Sandler.

Original director Dennis Dugan returns as an executive producer, with directing work now in the hands of Kyle Newacheck (Murder Mystery). Producers Jack Giarraputo and Robert Simonds complete the group, ensuring the new film retains the same crazy, endearing energy that made the original so popular.

Although the entire plot hasn’t been disclosed, Netflix has teased that Happy’s back out on the green, but this time he’s golfing to pay his daughter’s tuition. And judging from the trailer, die-hard fans are in for a trip down memory lane.

There are references to the original here and there—Happy’s hockey stick putter, his Bruins jersey, and those giant prize checks all return. His dented car and the hanging picture of Grandma in the rearview mirror? All still there. Except now, it appears a new generation of Gilmores is getting into the action.

The movie is riddled with Easter eggs for loyal fans and full of surprises for new ones. Ben Stiller’s Hal L. is back with his signature one-liners, and even the legendary “bull dance” returns—this time with Happy’s children joining in on the fun. The entire sequel feels like a gigantic thank-you to the fans for keeping Happy Gilmore alive for all these years.

Happy Gilmore 2 is not merely another sequel but a whole-shebang celebration of all the things that made the original so beloved. With its mix of retro comedy, heart-warming moments, an icily cool cast, and cameos aplenty, it’s already causing a stir on the radar of Netflix. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just new to Happy’s universe, this is one return you don’t want to miss.

As Netflix’s Tudum so succinctly says: “It’s been nearly 30 years since we last checked in on Happy Gilmore, the long-driving hero who captured the Tour Championship in 1996. Now we finally get to catch up with him in a new sequel that arrives on Netflix July 25.”

The name’s Bond. James Bond. And if you’ve ever found yourself arguing over martinis—shaken, not stirred—about which 007 adventure tops them all, you’re not alone. With over 60 years of espionage, iconic villains, globe-trotting adventures, and theme songs that have become cultural milestones, the Bond franchise remains one of cinema’s most enduring legacies. But which entries truly rise to the top? Based on critics and audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, the following are the top 10 Bond films of all time.

10. Dr. No (1962)

Sean Connery’s introduction as James Bond set the stage for all that came after. Dr. No welcomed audiences to the world of MI6, exotic locations, and 007’s trademark bravado. As The Mirror suggests, it’s one of the most esteemed Bond films out there, largely due to its elegant spy-thriller style and Ursula Andress’s iconic underwater entrance. It’s not only the start—it’s a standard. 

9. No Time to Die (2021)

Daniel Craig’s last Bond outing provides an emotional, high-stakes ending to his tenure. The movie mixes explosive action sequences with a remarkably poignant goodbye. The Mirror wrote that it was “everything we hoped for,” singling out Craig’s dramatic depth and the dramatic conclusion of the movie. As sendoffs go, this one lands perfectly.

8. Skyfall (2012)

To celebrate the franchise’s 50th anniversary, director Sam Mendes presented a Bond movie full of style and substance. With Oscar-nominated cinematography from Roger Deakins and Javier Bardem’s unforgettable bad guy, Skyfall revitalized the series. As Screen Rant noted, it rekindled critical affection for Bond after Quantum of Solace and provided Judi Dench’s M with an elegant and powerful farewell.

7. Casino Royale (2006)

Daniel Craig’s initial spin as Bond reset the franchise—and succeeded. A grittier, darker interpretation of 007, Casino Royale provided raw athleticism, emotional risk, and one of the best love stories in the series. Eva Green’s Vesper Lynd is still one of them, and the high-stakes poker scenes are as suspenseful as any action sequence. As Screen Rant put it, this isn’t merely the finest Craig-era Bond—it’s one of the best, full stop.

6. Thunderball (1965)

Bond’s journey underwater in Thunderball saw the franchise expand its horizons with high-budget set pieces and state-of-the-art effects at the time. The underwater finale is still one of the most daring action sequences of the early Bond films, and the international globe-trotting locations cemented the formula audiences enjoy today.

5. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)

Generally regarded as Roger Moore’s best turn as Bond, The Spy Who Loved Me has everything the fans enjoy: an evil villain, a classic henchman (Jaws), and some of the most over-the-top gadgetry in history, led by a Lotus Esprit that becomes a submarine. Mixing humor, adventure, and style, this movie preserves the light fun of the Moore period at its finest.

4. GoldenEye (1995)

Pierce Brosnan’s introduction provided the franchise with a badly needed refresh in the post-Cold War era. More contemporary in tone, stylish in action, and with a cast of memorable characters (including Sean Bean’s villainous 006 and Famke Janssen’s lethal Xenia Onatopp), GoldenEye ushered Bond back in front of a new generation. A Tina Turner theme song and fresh energy cemented its status as a ’90s action cult classic.

3. From Russia with Love (1963)

Much admired for its concise plot and Cold War intrigue, From Russia with Love brought the franchise from novelty to prestige. The second Bond film abandoned some of the more preposterous elements for grim espionage, suspenseful violence, and a game of cat-and-mouse with SPECTRE. It’s little wonder that it has a fabulous 97% Rotten Tomatoes rating—this one’s a masterwork of retro spy films.

2. Casino Royale (2006)

Yes, it appears twice on this list—and rightfully so. Craig’s introduction as Bond was a revelation, bringing fresh life to the franchise with intensity, emotional gravitas, and a grounded sensibility that garnered accolades all around. It wasn’t a reboot—it was a redefinition, and it redefined what modern Bond films should do.

1. Goldfinger (1964)

The perfect Bond movie. Goldfinger provided us with all the rest: the Aston Martin DB5, the gold-obsessed villain, the indelible Pussy Galore, and the laser beam scene that entered legend. For both fans and critics, this is the template for what a Bond movie must be like. As The Mirror wrote, “It may not have been the first Bond film, but it is—and likely always will be—the standard-bearer.”

Whether you’re a fan of the suave Connery era, the globe-hopping Moore years, or the gritty realism of Craig’s Bond, these films prove why 007 has stood the test of time. From cold wars to casino tables, Bond has adapted with every era, without ever losing his edge.

The 2000s were a free-range, untamed ride for horror fans. If you were glued to your screen throughout the decade, you know it was more than just jump scares and blood buckets—it was a decade that altered the very meaning of being afraid. From High-concept hacking to belly-chomping savagery, horror in the 2000s braved new ground and made its mark. Let’s take a look back at 10 moments and trends that defined the decade.

10. Meta-Horror and Self-Awareness (Skeleton Crew)

Horror had become more self-aware, and not in a campy way, by the 2000s. Where Scream already spoofed genre conventions, films like 2009’s Skeleton Crew took it to the next level of meta-horror. The independent Finnish entry explores the making of a snuff film remake, blurring the lines between director, spectator, and object. As Certified Forgotten explains, it’s “a film about filming a movie based upon a snuff film,” challenging spectators to consider their fascination with violence. It’s disturbing, thought-provoking, and a brutal critique of horror in general.

9. The Remake Madness (The Grudge, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Thirteen Ghosts, My Bloody Valentine)

For many fans, the 2000s were a gateway to horror legends through the form of smooth, high-budget remakes. Studios reimagined everything from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) to The Grudge (2004), in the hopes of profiting on familiar names. None were critical hits, but they revived old franchises and introduced classic boogeymen to new audiences. As Film School Rejects noted, “No franchise was immune to a ’00s reboot with women in crop tops, guys in cargo shorts, and a reinterpretation of the killer.” You hated them or loved them, but these reboots defined the look and audience of the decade.

8. The Emergence of Torture Horror (Saw, Hostel)

The term “torture porn” entered the horror vocabulary courtesy of movies like Saw (2004) and Hostel (2005). These were not simply exercises in violence—they were about survival, psychology, and crossing into moral territory. As Pekoeblaze has it, Saw “helped to either inspire or popularise an entire sub-genre of extreme horror films” for years to come. These films did not inquire as to what frightens you—they inquired as to how much you could handle. The result was a tide of super-violent horror that emphasized discomfort rather than catharsis.

7. The Paranormal Turn (The Ring, The Grudge)

While gore pervaded one end of the horror market, another movement gravitated toward slow-burning tension and psychic horror. Foreign J-horror like The Ring (2002) and The Grudge (2004) terrorized viewers with cursed videotapes, haunted ghosts, and an atmosphere of relentless dread. These films focused on ambiance, quiet, and uncertainty, more often more frightening than any scream. As Pekoeblaze points out, these movies were “scarier and bleaker in tone than the ‘cheesy’ teen horror films from slightly earlier in the decade.”

6. Zombies Reimagined (28 Days Later, Shaun of the Dead)

The undead weren’t new, but the 2000s gave them a makeover with seriousness. 28 Days Later (2002) gave us fast, furious “infected” and depicted a devastated London like never before. Two years later, Shaun of the Dead (2004) did horror-comedy with heart, adding wit to the end-of-the-world scenario. These movies revitalized the zombie genre, demonstrating that the undead could still shock us, whether we were laughing or averted our eyes.

5. Claustrophobic Survival Horror (The Descent)

And if you have any sort of claustrophobia at all, then The Descent (2005) probably haunted your dreams. This terrifying tale of a group of women trapped within an unmapped cave system—while stalked by subterranean monsters—raised the bar for survival horror. The film’s claustrophobic tension and gore-filled scares left viewers feeling they were there with them in the dark. Few movies since then have equaled its intensity.

4. Death Gets Creative (Final Destination)

Death is indiscriminate—but it certainly gets creative. Final Destination (2000) provided a new twist to the slasher genre by eliminating the murderer. In their place, extravagant domino-effect fatalities stole the show. The series took mundane objects and turned them into weapons of destruction, had us cringing with fear, and made us wonder if we even wanted to get on that flight, ride behind that truck, or into that tanning bed.

3. The Monster Revival: How Jeepers Creepers Revived Creature Horror

Old-style monster horror was in vogue again in the 2000s, and Jeepers Creepers (2001) led the charge. Its winged, millennia-old monster and ominous rural setting rekindled vintage horror ambiance with a modern flavor. The film’s creepy atmosphere and mythological leanings served to remind audiences that monsters—when done right—could still scare. It was gritty, mysterious, and signaled a gratifying return of the creature feature.

2. Fear Without Borders: The Global Horror Boom of the 2000s

The 2000s saw a massive shift in the gravity of horror. Japanese horror (Ju-On: The Grudge), Korean psychological tales (A Tale of Two Sisters), and extreme French film (Martyrs, Haute Tension) took over global screens. They pushed emotional and physical boundaries, offering new forms of storytelling and deeply unsettling imagery. Rolling Stone writes that this “free-floating dread” assisted in reshaping global horror, inspiring filmmakers worldwide.

1. Fear Reimagined: The Bold Evolution of 2000s Horror

Then why is 2000s horror so distinct? It was a decade of reinvention. Horror evolved from campy slashers into high-brow psychological dramas, from retro remakes to ambitious originals, and from small-town boogeymen to global horrors. As Pekoeblaze wrote, the first half of the decade had “three distinctive phases,” but generally, the trend was one of experimentation. Horror in the 2000s wasn’t afraid to experiment, and if you were there for scares, subtext, or plain imagination, the decade did not let down. Its influence still dominates everything from art-house horror to franchise revivals today.

Screamed, chuckled, or peeked through your fingers: the 2000s showed one thing: horror was dead—it was just changing.

Let’s be real—Hollywood can convince us of dragons, aliens, and whole galaxies light-years away. But for some unknown reason, with babies, the fantasy doesn’t quite hold up. There’s something particular about a lifeless mannequin or stilted CGI baby that instantly takes the audience out of the scene. Some productions get by on baby realism without issue, but others. Not so well.

Here are three of the most notorious prop babies in film history—each unforgettable for all the wrong reasons.

3. The Plastic Baby – American Sniper

Clint Eastwood’s American Sniper is a somber, heart-wrenching war drama. But one scene—intended to tug at our heartstrings—went viral for the wrong reasons. Rather than employ a real infant, the film used a plastic prop baby so rigid and incongruous that it became an instant joke. Bradley Cooper, attempting to sell the emotion of the scene, can be seen subtly moving the hand of the doll with his thumb to mimic life.

The payoff? A scene that elicited laughter from viewers instead of sympathy. It’s a short-lived moment when a small production corner-cutting sabotaged the mood of the film. The cast and crew, according to reports, had difficulty finding a real baby due to last-minute delays—but instead of changing or remaking, they proceeded with a substitute that looked like it was plucked straight from the clearance bin of a toy store. The scene is still one of the biggest infamous mistakes in contemporary film.

2. “Chuckesmee” – Twilight: Breaking Dawn – Part 1

Before Twilight enthusiasts got to know the CGI Renesmee, the filmmakers tried something even scarier: an animatronic baby that the actors and crew immediately nicknamed “Chuckesmee.” Supposedly depicting Bella and Edward’s fast-aging vampire-human spawn, the doll was intended to add realism. It added terror instead.

According to producer Wyck Godfrey, the animatronic doll was so unnerving that it was never actually used on-screen. “Chuckesmee” resembled something closer to a horror movie prop than a baby—and not in an intentional way. Kristen Stewart and other cast members reportedly found it impossible to act naturally around the doll. Ultimately, the production pivoted to a CGI alternative (which, as we’ll see, had its own set of problems).

Nevertheless, the short behind-the-scenes peeks at “Chuckesmee” remain one of the weirdest Hollywood bombs that nearly hit screens.

1. CGI Renesmee – Twilight: Breaking Dawn – Part 2

If there is one inhuman baby that keeps haunting cinemagoers, it’s CGI Renesmee. Charged with making a half-vampire, half-human child grow at supernatural rates, the visual effects crew attempted to combine Kristen Stewart’s baby photos with the face of actress Mackenzie Foy. What they ended up with was a digital baby that felt disturbingly unnatural: blinking at the wrong moments, moving stiffly and robotically, and overall looking like something from a simulation that had gone off the rails.

What was meant to be an emotional, whimsical piece of the Twilight saga’s denouement became an interruption. Viewers were unable to engage with the emotional tension because every eye was on Renesmee’s unsettling presence. Her over-the-top CGI features, paired with those of her ungainly facial expressions, became a meme on the internet for all the wrong reasons—and an inadvertent tour-de-force in the behind-the-scenes blooper reels of the movie.

Renesmee’s VFX first outing has since become an industry cautionary tale: however sophisticated the technology, emotional verisimilitude tends to be sacrificed when you over-rely on CGI, particularly for something as universally understood as a baby.

With technology leagues ahead of where it was in 2012, there’s cautious optimism that the upcoming Twilight TV reboot will give Renesmee a more convincing and less nightmare-inducing portrayal. Until then, these three unforgettable fake babies remain pop culture legends, for better or worse.

They’re a reminder that sometimes, even in the most high-budget productions, it’s the small things—like a convincing baby—that can make or break the magic of the moment.

Let’s face it: Hollywood has had a long history of trying to remake everything. While some do succeed in putting new life into familiar tales, many more flounder, losing the heart, tone, or charm of the originals that they try to recapture. From unnecessary reboots to misguided reimaginings, these 8 film remakes are cautionary tales about how some classics are better left alone.

8. The Mummy (2017)

Universal pinned hopes on The Mummy introducing an ambitious “Dark Universe” franchise—but instead, it fell apart under its weight. Under Tom Cruise’s leadership, the movie exchanged the pulpy adventure and charm of Brendan Fraser’s 1999 blockbuster for a dull, CGI-infused thriller. Reviewers found that it did not deliver either fun or fright, spilling its potential before the franchise was even underway.

7. Point Break (2015)

The original Point Break blended heart-stopping action with an endearing charm through Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves.

The remake in 2015, on the other hand, concentrated nearly all its efforts on spectacle. Although the stunts were remarkable, the emotional center and chemistry between the characters were absent, leaving audiences with a visually stimulating yet vacuous remake.

6. Ben-Hur (2016)

Redoing a cinematic giant like Ben-Hur is no easy task, and sadly, the 2016 remake showed why some tales shouldn’t be remade. Absent was the dramatic richness and moral nuance of the 1959 original, replaced by generic action and one-dimensional characters. Critics complained of its simplistic narrative, comparing it more to a cartoonish franchise film than a meaningful epic.

5. Rollerball (2002)

The 1975 original was a subtext-rich cult classic with biting social commentary. The 2002 remake stripped out the subtext and presented audiences with an incoherent, over-constructed mess. From its haphazard editing to unmemorable characters, the movie missed every mark, particularly the one that made the original a genre standout.

4. The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)

The 1951 science fiction film issued a stern warning regarding global war. The 2008 remake tried to modernize the message and became lost in a maelstrom of special effects. Keanu Reeves’ solid performance and the film’s befuddled script did not resonate, and the formerly strong story felt oddly hollow and quaint.

3. Carrie (2013)

Even with a good cast, the 2013 remake of Carrie was unable to overcome Brian De Palma’s 1976 version. The remake took a safe route, using CGI and a literal interpretation that lacked the tension and emotional richness of the original. What had been shocking and raw now seemed too finely polished and emotionally distant.

2. The Wicker Man (2006)

The original 1973 Wicker Man is a classic of atmospheric horror. Its remake in 2006, where Nicolas Cage starred, became infamous for all the wrong reasons, not least the notorious “not the bees!” moment. Meant as a straight thriller, it drifted into inadvertent comedy and ended up being more meme than motion picture. Something that could have been creepy became ridiculous.

1. One Missed Call (2008)

Of all the Japanese horror remakes done by Americans, One Missed Call is still the most infamous, partially due to its fleeting 0% on Rotten Tomatoes. With no suspense, uniqueness, or strong performances, the movie was universally criticized as being unoriginal and boring. It is a classic case of what occurs when a scary idea is given too formulaic a treatment in terms of jump scares.

Remakes can honor and update beloved stories—but only when approached with care, vision, and a true understanding of what made the original work. These ten films missed that mark entirely. Instead of reimagining, they rehashed—and in doing so, reminded us why some classics are best left as they are.

Let’s be real—Hollywood can convince us of dragons, aliens, and whole galaxies light-years away. But for some unknown reason, with babies, the fantasy doesn’t quite hold up. There’s something particular about a lifeless mannequin or stilted CGI baby that instantly takes the audience out of the scene. Some productions get by on baby realism without issue, but others. Not so well.

Here are three of the most notorious prop babies in film history—each unforgettable for all the wrong reasons.

3. The Plastic Baby – American Sniper

Clint Eastwood’s American Sniper is a somber, heart-wrenching war drama. But one scene—intended to tug at our heartstrings—went viral for the wrong reasons. Rather than employ a real infant, the film used a plastic prop baby so rigid and incongruous that it became an instant joke. Bradley Cooper, attempting to sell the emotion of the scene, can be seen subtly moving the hand of the doll with his thumb to mimic life.

The payoff? A scene that elicited laughter from viewers instead of sympathy. It’s a short-lived moment when a small production corner-cutting sabotaged the mood of the film. The cast and crew, according to reports, had difficulty finding a real baby due to last-minute delays—but instead of changing or remaking, they proceeded with a substitute that looked like it was plucked straight from the clearance bin of a toy store. The scene is still one of the biggest infamous mistakes in contemporary film.

2. “Chuckesmee” – Twilight: Breaking Dawn – Part 1

Before Twilight enthusiasts got to know the CGI Renesmee, the filmmakers tried something even scarier: an animatronic baby that the actors and crew immediately nicknamed “Chuckesmee.” Supposedly depicting Bella and Edward’s fast-aging vampire-human spawn, the doll was intended to add realism. It added terror instead.

According to producer Wyck Godfrey, the animatronic doll was so unnerving that it was never actually used on-screen. “Chuckesmee” resembled something closer to a horror movie prop than a baby—and not in an intentional way. Kristen Stewart and other cast members reportedly found it impossible to act naturally around the doll. Ultimately, the production pivoted to a CGI alternative (which, as we’ll see, had its own set of problems).

Nevertheless, the short behind-the-scenes peeks at “Chuckesmee” remain one of the weirdest Hollywood bombs that nearly hit screens.

1. CGI Renesmee – Twilight: Breaking Dawn – Part 2

If there is one inhuman baby that keeps haunting cinemagoers, it’s CGI Renesmee. Charged with making a half-vampire, half-human child grow at supernatural rates, the visual effects crew attempted to combine Kristen Stewart’s baby photos with the face of actress Mackenzie Foy. What they ended up with was a digital baby that felt disturbingly unnatural: blinking at the wrong moments, moving stiffly and robotically, and overall looking like something from a simulation that had gone off the rails.

What was meant to be an emotional, whimsical piece of the Twilight saga’s denouement became an interruption. Viewers were unable to engage with the emotional tension because every eye was on Renesmee’s unsettling presence. Her over-the-top CGI features, paired with those of her ungainly facial expressions, became a meme on the internet for all the wrong reasons—and an inadvertent tour-de-force in the behind-the-scenes blooper reels of the movie.

Renesmee’s VFX first outing has since become an industry cautionary tale: however sophisticated the technology, emotional verisimilitude tends to be sacrificed when you over-rely on CGI, particularly for something as universally understood as a baby.

With technology leagues ahead of where it was in 2012, there’s cautious optimism that the upcoming Twilight TV reboot will give Renesmee a more convincing and less nightmare-inducing portrayal. Until then, these three unforgettable fake babies remain pop culture legends, for better or worse.

They’re a reminder that sometimes, even in the most high-budget productions, it’s the small things—like a convincing baby—that can make or break the magic of the moment.

Hollywood’s blockbuster industry never pauses—superheroes, CGI extravaganzas, and billion-dollar franchises fill the screens and the news. But not all actors want to get on the ride. Indeed, some regularly turn down the big-budget offers, preferring to work on smaller, more character-driven tales or projects that reflect their values and artistic sensibilities. Here’s a glimpse at 10 performers who passed on blockbusters—and how their choices remain to influence an increasingly diverse, more significant cinematic landscape.

10. Emily Blunt

Emily Blunt was almost Marvel’s Black Widow in Iron Man 2, but a scheduling issue with Gulliver’s Travels swept her aside. She’s since purposefully steered clear of the superhero path, instead working on original and emotionally resonant movies like A Quiet Place. Blunt has talked about how much she enjoys playing parts that are close and intimate to her, and she’s never second-guessed going around the cape and spandex. Her decisions emphasize the notion that star power does not have to be born from franchise performances.

9. Christian Bale

Though he famously wore the cape for Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, Christian Bale has been otherwise cautious when it comes to franchise filmmaking. Following Batman, he turned down James Bond, allegedly worrying it was a British actor stereotype. Bale instead concentrates on role-heavy performances in movies such as The Machinist and American Hustle, repeatedly redefining himself for the story’s sake, not the box office.

8. Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett has long been an advocate of substance over popular celebrity. She passed on Monster’s Ball, fearing its stereotypical treatment of Black women, and tends to be drawn to strong, earthy characters. While she made an exception for Black Panther, deeming it a cultural landmark, Bassett generally avoids blockbusters unless the film has a sense of purpose, and that makes her performances all the more powerful.

7. Paul Giamatti

Paul Giamatti is perhaps the most respected character actor working today—and that’s intentional. He passed up a starring role in The Office, and he’s been unenthusiastic about big-budget franchises, instead playing flawed, captivating characters in movies like Sideways, Private Life, and The Holdovers. Giamatti adds emotional richness to the screen in a way that all too often can’t be done in a tentpole film.

6. Frances McDormand

Frances McDormand doesn’t care about spectacle. Her Oscar-winning performances in Fargo, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and Nomadland indicate her passion for close-to-the-heart, character-based storytelling. She’s famous for turning down big studio movies, usually fighting for independent voices and smaller films. McDormand is an outspoken advocate of inclusive and authentic storytelling, both on and off screen.

5. Ethan Hawke

Ethan Hawke flirted with the mainstream (Training Day, for example), but he always came back to the indie world. He turned down a slew of superhero films in favor of working with auteurs like Richard Linklater on passion projects like Before Sunrise and Boyhood. For Hawke, artistic control is more important than commercial success, and his filmography is a love letter to intelligent, experimental storytelling.

4. Michelle Pfeiffer

Following initial success in blockbusters such as Batman Returns, Michelle Pfeiffer decided to move away from the Hollywood limelight. She turned down big rolesincludingd Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs, and drifted towards character-driven, low-key stories. Pfeiffer’s recent work indicates a penchant for multilayered, complex characters rather than mainstream success.

3. Daniel Day-Lewis

Daniel Day-Lewis’s exacting method of acting is widely known, so too is his selectivity. He rejected the chance to play Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings due to a lack of enthusiasm for fantasy blockbusters and extended franchise commitments. Instead, he crafted a career on transfiguring performances in movies such as There Will Be Blood and Lincoln before retiring in 2017 with his reputation as a master of the craft no less well established.

2. Tilda Swinton

Tilda Swinton feeds on the unorthodox. Famously associated with genre-bending performances and boundary-crossing collaborations, Swinton has studiously kept away from Hollywood’s blockbuster fare. While she finally found her way into the Marvel Universe in Doctor Strange, she did so only after ascertaining the role was in alignment with her values. Swinton remains keen on working on projects that defy convention and push the medium.

1. Viggo Mortensen

Since his memorable stint as Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings, Viggo Mortensen was besieged with big-studio offers, up to and including the part of Wolverine in X-Men. He turned them down, uneasy about signing on for multi-picture deals and the artistic constraints they might entail. Instead, he’s compiled a string of work concerned with emotional nuance and human complexity, from A History of Violence to Captain Fantastic and Green Book.

Why Their Choices Matter

In a business based on spectacle and profit, these performers remind us that there’s still room for narrative driven by character, not commerce. As Andrew Stubbs-Lacy describes in The Talent Management of Indie Authorship, the indie scene isn’t simply defined by visionary filmmakers—it’s also directed by the agents and producers who assist actors in creating durable, values-based careers. The indie spirit is very much alive, not only in the work itself, but in the way it’s supported and safeguarded behind the scenes. When blockbuster fatigue is a reality and originality is in short supply, these performers demonstrate that sometimes the greatest act of all is to step away from the limelight.

Kenneth Colley, the British actor who brought steely-eyed, quiet authority to Admiral Piett in the Star Wars series, has died at 87. Colley died at home in Kent, England, on June 30 after developing pneumonia after being hospitalised for an arm injury. His agent, Julian Owen, said that Colley had contracted COVID-19 and was with close friends at the time of his death.

Colley’s understated screen presence and subtle gravitas brought a distinctive nuance to Admiral Piett, the sole Imperial officer to survive long enough to appear in both The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. When his role was originally developed as a one-shot, Colley’s performance resonated with audiences and with filmmakers.

Director Irvin Kershner was said to be searching for an actor who could “scare Hitler,” and discovered in Colley an actor who could carry menace without sacrificing depth. Thanks to fan demand, George Lucas reprised the character for the final installment of the trilogy—a move which solidified Colley’s place in Star Wars history and made him a familiar face at conventions for many decades.

Looking back at his tenure in the franchise, Colley once stated that being a part of Star Wars “may outlive me”—something which is now given particular significance.

But Colley’s legacy is wider than the bridge of Darth Vader’s spaceship. His acting range was impressive. He played Jesus Christ with genuine poise amid the mayhem of Monty Python’s Life of Brian, gave memorable performances in several of director Ken Russell’s movies, and performed in roles as diverse as Tchaikovsky’s brother in The Music Lovers, Frédéric Chopin in Lisztomania, and Adolf Hitler in Dance of the Seven Veils.

Born in Manchester on December 7, 1937, Colley did not initially pursue a career in acting. He worked as a bus conductor, warehouseman, and commercial art assistant before, at the age of 23, following his dreams to the stage. Initially employed as an assistant stage manager, it was not too long before he started acting himself, eventually becoming one of Britain’s finest character actors.

His television work consisted of a variety of guest appearances in The Avengers, Coronation Street, Peaky Blinders, and many BBC dramas. He also made major screen appearances, such as a Soviet colonel pitted against Clint Eastwood in Firefox, and historical notable figures, Admiral Nelson and Napoleon Bonaparte.

One of his favorite stage roles was late in life, as Estragon in Waiting for Godot at London’s Cockpit Theatre in 2014. Though he stuttered throughout his life, miraculously disappearing when he acted, Colley brought a suave, authoritative presence to every role he played.

Tributes have come in from across the acting world. Michael Palin, who worked with Colley on Life of Brian, described him as “always dependable, always convincing and great to work with,” adding, “we’ve lost a very special actor and a very good man.” His agent, Julian Owen, remembered him as “one of our finest character actors,” noting Colley’s ability to disappear into any role and his continued popularity with audiences worldwide.

Behind the camera, Colley had interests in gardening, high-performance cars, and painting. His Star Wars performance made him a favorite fan icon, if so, in secret from the public’s view, to visit fan conventions throughout the globe where he was not only identified as Admiral Piett, but also as being kind and generous towards fans.

Kenneth’s influence—whether as a quiet leader on the bridge of a Star Destroyer or as a dedicated actor on stage—will be felt for decades to come.