There were rumors that Euphoria star (and next great Elvis impersonator) Jacob Elordi was in the running to be the latest incarnation of Superman, and by “rumors” I mean a few fans really wanted to make it happen, so much that James Gunn had to get involved. But it never happened. We did get this, though.
While Elordi never got the gig (who knows if that movie will even see the light of day), the actor confirmed that he was actually asked to read for the part, but he wasn’t really into it. “Well, they asked me to read for Superman,” Elordi told GQ in a new interview. While taking on the famous superhero seems like it would be a dream to some young actors, Elordi thought that playing the superhero was too much. “That was immediately, ‘No, thank you.’ That’s too much. That’s too dark for me,” he explained.
Elordi is known for his role on Euporhia and has been gaining recognition for his portrayal of Elvis in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla, but he would much rather play the King than Clark Kent. When asked if he has any desire to star in a superhero film, he replied, “Not particularly, no. I’ve always been told to say a rounded answer or my agent will get mad at me. ‘Anything can happen!’ And obviously, anything can happen, but at this stage in my life, I don’t see myself having any interest in that.”
Instead, Elordi says he would “like to make what I would watch,” so we may never get that third season of Euphoriaafter all. Unless he really likes Nate Jacobs.
When it comes to making (or shaking) a good martini, there are endless factors that affect quality — gin vs. vodka, measurement amounts of dry vermouth, type of olives, addition of olive brine, the quality of ice and so much more can make or break a martini. But today, I want to dial it all back to the simplest terms — dry gin, dry vermouth, good ice, and a touch of lemon oils.
Even more specifically, I want to talk about the real foundational piece of the cocktail: the gin. And I think I’ve found the best of them all. Or the “best American gin for a martini” at the very least.
Farmer’s Botanical Organic Gin is the gin I keep going back to again and again when I want a delicious, clean, and deeply flavored martini. I know “clean” sounds a little dubious when talking about martinis. It’s kind of like saying “smooth” where all the character is sanded away. This gin is not that though. Think of “clean” more as a clear sense of the spirit and all its botanicals without overly sweet additives or muddled flavor notes.
Farmer’s Botanical Organic Gin (which has been around for a couple of years now in its current form) is so clean (as in “direct”) yet deeply flavored that you can sip it neat and find layer after layer of pure enjoyment. The juniper is there but far more back-dialed (compared to a London dry gin), with a nice medley of elderflower, hemp seed, lemongrass, coriander, rose, angelica root (for texture), and several other mild yet delicious botanicals.
It all adds up to a great gin martini base. Possibly “the best” — at least among American gins. If that sounds good, keep reading to see how you can make our new favorite gin martini this weekend at home!
Also Read: The Top Five Cocktail Recipes of the Last Six Months
In this case, you want to grab a bottle of Farmer’s Gin. Luckily, it’s readily available at most good liquor stores. I’m also using Foro Dry Vermouth as it has a soft floral vibe that works as a great counterpoint to the gentle botanicals of the gin.
Zach Johnston
What You’ll Need:
Coupe, cocktail glass, or Nick and Nora
Cocktail mixing glass
Cocktail strainer
Barspoon
Jigger
Pairing knife
Zach Johnston
Method:
Prechill the glass, mixing glass, barspoon, and jigger in the freezer overnight. Prechill the gin and vermouth in the fridge overnight.
Fetch all ingredients from the freezer/fridge when ready to make the cocktail. Add the gin and vermouth to the mixing glass and add a handful of ice. Mix with the barspoon for 30 spins, or about 30 seconds. The ice should just start to dilute the cocktail.
Strain the cocktail into the frozen glass. Express the lemon oils over the glass and rub around the rim and stem. Discard lemon peel and serve.
Bottom Line:
Zach Johnston
Yeah, this is so good. The gin is the star of the show with a clean and very chilled vibe that speaks to really good botanicals with a slight woodiness next to dry florals and a delicate bitterness. I know that feels like a lot of buzzy words. But it’s real. This is quintessential — the martini that you stir up when you want to introduce someone to the brilliance of the drink.
Sometimes the best new R&B can be hard to find, but there are plenty of great rhythm-and-blues tunes to get into if you have the time to sift through the hundreds of newly released songs every week. So that R&B heads can focus on listening to what they really love in its true form, we’ll be offering a digest of the best new R&B songs that fans of the genre should hear every Friday.
Since the last update of this weekly R&B column, we’ve received plenty of music and news from the genre’s artists.
Grammy nominations were revealed and acts like Victoria Monét, Coco Jones, and SZA led the way in the R&B categories. Frank Ocean previewed new music for the first time in two years and Beyoncé shared another trailer for her Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé. Jennifer Hudson sparked dating rumors with Common while Halle Bailey revealed that she’s in the studio working with Missy Elliott. Elsewhere, SZA was announced as one of the headliners for Lollapalooza’s Brazil, Argentina, and Chile festivals, New Edition announced their Las Vegas residency.
Here are some more releases on the new music front that you should check out:
BJ The Chicago Kid — Gravy
BJ The Chicago Kid is back on the scene with his third album Gravy, his first full-length project since 2019 made in collaboration with producer Yetti Beats. Through 15 songs with features from Coco Jones, Chloe Bailey, Freddie Gibbs, Robert Glasper, and more, BJ’s third album is one he says is “the persona of what the new cool is.” He adds, “It’s that feeling when you’re at your absolute best, got on your best clothes, exuding confidence in every step and word.”
Roy Woods — “4am”
Months after sharing his long-awaited Mixed Emotions album, Roy Woods checks back in with this new single “4am.” The new track is dedicated to a friend of Woods’ who passed away. Woods takes listeners on a journey through his life, music, and relationships, and even when the future seemed uncertain, Woods managed to press onward through it all.
Luh Kel — Head Melodies
Three years after releasing L.O.V.E., St. Louis singer Luh Kel returns with his new album Head Melodies. The project bares 16 songs to its name as well as a sole feature from A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie.
Genia — “Dear Life”
With 4PM In The Ville on the way, 22-year-old Victorville, California singer Genia shares the second single from the project with “Dear Life.” It’s a poignant and bold release that rips with emotions as does the electric guitar that blares throughout the song. “I feel like I make music for everybody,” Genia said about her music. “But mainly for women to feel badass. I wanna feel like I have the power.”
Rosemarie — Rock Paper Scissors: Recut
Six months after the project’s original release, LA singer Rosemarie breathes new lives in Rock Paper Scissors with a Recut edition. Four more songs are added to the project including “Is It Real?” with Roddy Ricch and “Drop Me” with Kalan.FrFr. Of the former, Rosemarie said, “Our artistry as individuals is boundless — and to me, this song is a beautiful intersection of them both.”
Obai — “Girls Like You”
17-year-old Pheonix singer Obai is looking to become a star in the R&B world and his latest track “Girls Like You” is proof of his talents. The bubbly record accounts for Obai’s tendency to fall for girls who are the life of the party and ones who enjoy an extravagant life filled with flights, shopping sprees, and more.
Eric IV — “Hennessy” Feat. Blxst
North London singer Eric IV is back with his sweet melodies through his new single “Hennessy” with Blxst. Together, the artists deliver a record that’s focused on the fun moments during a night out on the town and what happens once the drinks are poured and consumed by the people around them, especially the ladies.
Teo Glacier — “Who Do You Love?”
New Zealand-born singer Teo Glacier continues to shine in his first year with Capitol Records and his latest single “Who Do You Love” is proof of that. The new track is dedicated to a special someone in Glacier’s life who can’t seem to make up their mind about a potential relationship. Glacier reminds the woman in question about their past and asks her to make a long-awaited decision about their future.
Odeal — “Fine By Myself”
With a voice that’s a blend reminiscent of Brent Faiyaz and Giveon, London singer Odeal arrives with his sweet new single “Fine By Myself.” The smooth jam is one that Odeal uses to reclaim and restate his independence to a new lover who is seemingly out of the picture now. “Fine by myself,” he sings. “Before you came I didn’t need nobody.”
Kareen Lomax — “Self Care”
Kareen Lomax’s last releases came back in 2021 with her Hard Feelings album and collaborations with the likes of Diplo and Aluna. Now, in 2023, she’s back with “Self Care.” The vibrant is one she uses to advocate for herself and the need to sometimes be selfish toward the things that are most important to her.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Dan Rice went viral for creating a “Taylor Swift Jar” for his wife, Dana, who shared the video on Instagram. “Any mention of T. Swift and you owe $0.25. I can’t take it anymore,” the jar reads. “Travis Kelce included.”
Dana told People that she’s “always been a sing-along kind of Taylor Swift fan,” but the Ticketmaster-breaking hoopla surrounding the Eras Tour intensified her fandom. “It wasn’t until I read comments from non-music industry leaders talking about her tour last spring that I realized I should learn a little more about this person,” she explained. “There is so much Taylor Swift ‘lore’ that once you start, you can’t seem to stop consuming it.”
Dana is especially smitten by Swift and Kelce’s romance. “The public narrative of two superstars finding each other — whether a brief amount of time or a lifetime — will always captivate,” the Maryland resident said. “Who isn’t drawn to [a] fairytale with [a] Hollywood ending?”
Dan better spend the money on an Eras Tour ticket for his wife.
The film, based on Priscilla Presley’s 1985 memoir Elvis and Me, follows 14-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu’s (Cailee Spaeny) whirlwind romance with the 24-year-old burgeoning King of Rock-n-Roll. It’s a rare look at their rocky love story, focusing on Priscilla’s struggle to survive in the shadow of her much older and more famous husband. The film hit theaters on November 3rd, finishing its opening weekend in the box office top five but it will likely keep showing through the end of the year as it makes its Oscar run.
When Priscilla does land on streaming — probably in January 2024 — it could live on any number of platforms, including Netflix, Apple TV+, or Max. But, because A24 had a streaming distribution deal with Showtime (now on Paramount+) our best bet is that you’ll find it there. As for when Priscilla will be available to buy or rent digitally, expect that announcement to come before the end of the year.
(WARNING: Spoilers for the most recent Power Book IV: Force episode will be found below.)
Season two of Power Book IV: Force has been relentless in the death department. So many characters, big and small, failed to make it to the end of the season. They include Walter Flynn, Brandon Doyle, Uncle Paulie, Leon, Nunez, Diamond and Jenard’s father, and others. In the season two finale, it seems like Claudia Flynn may have joined that list in the closing minutes after she is stabbed in the back while in prison. She falls to the floor while bleeding out with no one nearby and it appears that it’s the end of Claudia as we know it.
Is Claudia Dead After The Power Book IV: Force Season 2 Finale?
It appears that Claudia was indeed killed at the end of season two, but her death wasn’t exactly confirmed. With the Power Universe (see: Kanan from the original Power series), you can never be too sure that someone is dead, so we’ll have to wait until season three to get that confirmation.
Claudia’s prison stabbing comes after she was set up during a drug deal by Tommy (played by Joseph Sikora) and Shanti to be arrested by the FBI. Federal authorities were originally at the location of the drug deal through the belief that Tommy would be there meeting with the cartel. However, Tommy was tipped about a snitch in CBI, so he flipped the script on everyone and slipped by the law once again. Claudia was arrested and during a prison call to Shanti, Claudia learned that Tommy used Shanti to get revenge on Claudia for killing Liliana. As soon as Claudia makes this realization, she’s stabbed in the back by a fellow prisoner.
‘Power Book IV: Force’ season two is now available to stream on STARZ.
Sometimes the best new R&B can be hard to find, but there are plenty of great rhythm-and-blues tunes to get into if you have the time to sift through the hundreds of newly released songs every week. So that R&B heads can focus on listening to what they really love in its true form, we’ll be offering a digest of the best new R&B songs that fans of the genre should hear every Friday.
Since the last update of this weekly R&B column, we’ve received plenty of music and news from the genre’s artists.
Grammy nominations were revealed and acts like Victoria Monét, Coco Jones, and SZA led the way in the R&B categories. Frank Ocean previewed new music for the first time in two years and Beyoncé shared another trailer for her Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé. Jennifer Hudson sparked dating rumors with Common while Halle Bailey revealed that she’s in the studio working with Missy Elliott. Elsewhere, SZA was announced as one of the headliners for Lollapalooza’s Brazil, Argentina, and Chile festivals, New Edition announced their Las Vegas residency.
Here are some more releases on the new music front that you should check out:
BJ The Chicago Kid — Gravy
BJ The Chicago Kid is back on the scene with his third album Gravy, his first full-length project since 2019 made in collaboration with producer Yetti Beats. Through 15 songs with features from Coco Jones, Chloe Bailey, Freddie Gibbs, Robert Glasper, and more, BJ’s third album is one he says is “the persona of what the new cool is.” He adds, “It’s that feeling when you’re at your absolute best, got on your best clothes, exuding confidence in every step and word.”
Roy Woods — “4am”
Months after sharing his long-awaited Mixed Emotions album, Roy Woods checks back in with this new single “4am.” The new track is dedicated to a friend of Woods’ who passed away. Woods takes listeners on a journey through his life, music, and relationships, and even when the future seemed uncertain, Woods managed to press onward through it all.
Luh Kel — Head Melodies
Three years after releasing L.O.V.E., St. Louis singer Luh Kel returns with his new album Head Melodies. The project bares 16 songs to its name as well as a sole feature from A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie.
Genia — “Dear Life”
With 4PM In The Ville on the way, 22-year-old Victorville, California singer Genia shares the second single from the project with “Dear Life.” It’s a poignant and bold release that rips with emotions as does the electric guitar that blares throughout the song. “I feel like I make music for everybody,” Genia said about her music. “But mainly for women to feel badass. I wanna feel like I have the power.”
Rosemarie — Rock Paper Scissors: Recut
Six months after the project’s original release, LA singer Rosemarie breathes new lives in Rock Paper Scissors with a Recut edition. Four more songs are added to the project including “Is It Real?” with Roddy Ricch and “Drop Me” with Kalan.FrFr. Of the former, Rosemarie said, “Our artistry as individuals is boundless — and to me, this song is a beautiful intersection of them both.”
Obai — “Girls Like You”
17-year-old Pheonix singer Obai is looking to become a star in the R&B world and his latest track “Girls Like You” is proof of his talents. The bubbly record accounts for Obai’s tendency to fall for girls who are the life of the party and ones who enjoy an extravagant life filled with flights, shopping sprees, and more.
Eric IV — “Hennessy” Feat. Blxst
North London singer Eric IV is back with his sweet melodies through his new single “Hennessy” with Blxst. Together, the artists deliver a record that’s focused on the fun moments during a night out on the town and what happens once the drinks are poured and consumed by the people around them, especially the ladies.
Teo Glacier — “Who Do You Love?”
New Zealand-born singer Teo Glacier continues to shine in his first year with Capitol Records and his latest single “Who Do You Love” is proof of that. The new track is dedicated to a special someone in Glacier’s life who can’t seem to make up their mind about a potential relationship. Glacier reminds the woman in question about their past and asks her to make a long-awaited decision about their future.
Odeal — “Fine By Myself”
With a voice that’s a blend reminiscent of Brent Faiyaz and Giveon, London singer Odeal arrives with his sweet new single “Fine By Myself.” The smooth jam is one that Odeal uses to reclaim and restate his independence to a new lover who is seemingly out of the picture now. “Fine by myself,” he sings. “Before you came I didn’t need nobody.”
Kareen Lomax — “Self Care”
Kareen Lomax’s last releases came back in 2021 with her Hard Feelings album and collaborations with the likes of Diplo and Aluna. Now, in 2023, she’s back with “Self Care.” The vibrant is one she uses to advocate for herself and the need to sometimes be selfish toward the things that are most important to her.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Now that Britney Spears‘ recently-released memoirThe Woman in Me is officially a best-seller, some of Hollywood’s heaviest hitters are champing at the bit to lock down the screen rights.
According to The Ankler, the A-listers sniffing around Britney’s book include Reese Witherspoon, Margot Robbie, Brad Pitt, and Shonda Rhimes. All four are reportedly interested in turning The Woman in Me into a film or TV series. However, those talks are only “beginning to take shape,” and Britney is reportedly taking things slow after the whirlwind media attention.
In fact, Spears, 41, rescheduled a recent meeting with an unnamed top producer “at the last minute” because she “didn’t feel up to it,” according to The Ankler, which was first to report the news.
A source told the Hollywood newsletter that the pop star is “overwhelmed by the response” to her book’s Oct. 24 release and the “media frenzy surrounding it,” causing her team to “hold off on making any major decisions about where the rights end up until she has time to catch her breath.”
On top of Hollywood’s top talent hoping to adapt Britney’s book for the big or small screen, she’s reportedly involved in separate talks for a “participative documentary.” The pop singer could earn as much as $40 million for that project alone, so she can easily afford to be choosy about when to meet with A-listers hungry for a piece of that sweet memoir action.
(WARNING: Spoilers for the most recent Power Book IV: Force episode will be found below.)
Season two of Power Book IV: Force has been relentless in the death department. So many characters, big and small, failed to make it to the end of the season. They include Walter Flynn, Brandon Doyle, Uncle Paulie, Leon, Nunez, Diamond and Jenard’s father, and others. In the season two finale, it seems like Claudia Flynn may have joined that list in the closing minutes after she is stabbed in the back while in prison. She falls to the floor while bleeding out with no one nearby and it appears that it’s the end of Claudia as we know it.
Is Claudia Dead After The Power Book IV: Force Season 2 Finale?
It appears that Claudia was indeed killed at the end of season two, but her death wasn’t exactly confirmed. With the Power Universe (see: Kanan from the original Power series), you can never be too sure that someone is dead, so we’ll have to wait until season three to get that confirmation.
Claudia’s prison stabbing comes after she was set up during a drug deal by Tommy (played by Joseph Sikora) and Shanti to be arrested by the FBI. Federal authorities were originally at the location of the drug deal through the belief that Tommy would be there meeting with the cartel. However, Tommy was tipped about a snitch in CBI, so he flipped the script on everyone and slipped by the law once again. Claudia was arrested and during a prison call to Shanti, Claudia learned that Tommy used Shanti to get revenge on Claudia for killing Liliana. As soon as Claudia makes this realization, she’s stabbed in the back by a fellow prisoner.
‘Power Book IV: Force’ season two is now available to stream on STARZ.
Now that Britney Spears‘ recently-released memoirThe Woman in Me is officially a best-seller, some of Hollywood’s heaviest hitters are champing at the bit to lock down the screen rights.
According to The Ankler, the A-listers sniffing around Britney’s book include Reese Witherspoon, Margot Robbie, Brad Pitt, and Shonda Rhimes. All four are reportedly interested in turning The Woman in Me into a film or TV series. However, those talks are only “beginning to take shape,” and Britney is reportedly taking things slow after the whirlwind media attention.
In fact, Spears, 41, rescheduled a recent meeting with an unnamed top producer “at the last minute” because she “didn’t feel up to it,” according to The Ankler, which was first to report the news.
A source told the Hollywood newsletter that the pop star is “overwhelmed by the response” to her book’s Oct. 24 release and the “media frenzy surrounding it,” causing her team to “hold off on making any major decisions about where the rights end up until she has time to catch her breath.”
On top of Hollywood’s top talent hoping to adapt Britney’s book for the big or small screen, she’s reportedly involved in separate talks for a “participative documentary.” The pop singer could earn as much as $40 million for that project alone, so she can easily afford to be choosy about when to meet with A-listers hungry for a piece of that sweet memoir action.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
