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There’s a temptation to make the headline for this post something like “Martin Scorsese SLAMS Superhero Movies.” But that would be a discredit to his thoughtful words when the topic came up during an interview with GQ.

“The danger there is what it’s doing to our culture. Because there are going to be generations now that think movies are only those — that’s what movies are,” the Goodfellas director said, sending a chill down my spine. Scorsese believes the opposition to franchise saturation needs to “come from the grassroots level. It’s gotta come from the filmmakers themselves. And you’ll have, you know, the Safdie brothers, and you’ll have Chris Nolan, you know what I mean? And hit ’em from all sides. Hit ’em from all sides, and don’t give up. Let’s see what you got. Go out there and do it. Go reinvent. Don’t complain about it. But it’s true, because we’ve got to save cinema.”

“It’s manufactured content. It’s almost like AI making a film. And that doesn’t mean that you don’t have incredible directors and special effects people doing beautiful artwork. But what does it mean? What do these films, what will it give you? Aside from a kind of consummation of something and then eliminating it from your mind, your whole body, you know? So what is it giving you?”

Remember how dead inside you (and Tim Burton) felt while watching Nicholas Cage as Superman fighting a giant spider? That’s what Scorsese is fighting against. His latest blow against AI-generated movies, Killers of the Flower Moon (starring one of the few A-listers who has resisted the siren song of superheroes), comes out on October 20th. Tickets are on sale now.

(Via GQ)

About nine minutes into the fourth and final episode of the Disney+ documentary series Ed Sheeran: The Sum Of It All, Sheeran is in his New York City hotel room, away from his wife and two daughters for yet another promotional cycle as a multi-platinum-certified pop star. “It’s just about balance of, like, not overdoing it, but also, my personality is to overdo everything — all the time,” he says.

Sheeran just wrapped his Subtract Tour and has one rescheduled Mathematics Tour date left on October 28, and he’s only four months removed from dropping his – Subtract album, but it’s not in his personality to rest on laurels. And so, he will next release Autumn Variations — having already jumpstarted another album cycle with a cameo at a Starbucks and recording a live version by way of surprising fans in their living rooms.

Below is everything else you need to know about Autumn Variations.

Release Date

Autumn Variations is out 9/29 via Gingerbread Man Records. Find more information here.

Tracklist

1. “Magical”
2. “England”
3. “Amazing”
4. “Plastic Bag”
5. “Blue”
6. “American Town”
7. “That’s On Me”
8. “Page”
9. “Midnight”
10. “Spring”
11. “Punchline”
12. “When Will I Be Alright”
13. “The Day I Was Born”
14. “Head > Heels”

Features

As you can see, there are no planned features on the Autumn Variations tracklist, though it should be noted that the lone credited producer on the album is Aaron Dessner. The credited writers are Aaron Dessner, Bryce Dessner, Foy Vance, and Sheeran, as listed on Genius.

Artwork

Singles

Sheeran has yet to release a single ahead of the album’s arrival this Friday, September 29.

Tour

As we’ve already covered, Sheeran is freshly on the other side of a rigorous tour run. He has not confirmed plans to tour in support of Autumn Variations as of this writing, but there’s always the possibility that he just can’t help himself and hits the road again.

Ed Sheeran is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

This Friday, September 29, the Ohana Festival comes to Dana Point, CA, headlined by The Killers, Eddie Vedder, and Foo Fighters. Other big-names acts set to take the stage include Haim, Father John Misty, Japanese Breakfast, The Chicks, The War On Drugs, Goose, Pretenders, The Backseat Lovers, and Suki Waterhouse.

In addition to music, the Ohana Festival also brings its storytellers series to Doheny State Beach, with movies and photography exhibits alongside panel discussions with conservationists, surf legends, and environmentalists about preserving the ocean and beaches. The festival is in its seventh iteration, according to the Orange County Register, and last year’s fest was headlined by Vedder, Stevie Nicks, and Pink.

You can see the schedule of set times below, and get more information about the festival here.

Friday, September 29

Ohana Stage

Linka Moja (12:30-1:00), Brooks Nielsen (1:35-2:15), Glen Hansard (3:05-3:50), Japanese Breakfast (5:05-5:50), Haim (7:10-8:10), The Killers (8:55)

Tiki Stage

Danielle Ponder (1:00-1:35), Hermanos Gutiérrez (2:20-3:00), Franc Moody (4:00-5:00), Father John Misty (6:05-6:55)

Saturday, September 30

Ohana Stage

Ayron Jones (1:00-1:30), Amos Lee (2:00-2:35), Charley Crockett (3:05-3:45), Goose (4:35-5:30), The Chicks (6:40-7:40), Eddie Vedder and Earthlings (8:25)

Tiki Stage

Big Joanie (12:30-1:00), Trousdale (1:30-2:00), Shame (2:35-3:05), Lucius (3:50-4:30), The War On Drugs (5:40-6:25)

Sunday, October 1

Ohana Stage

The Aquadolls (1:00-1:30), Suki Waterhouse (2:00-2:30), Dehd (3:00-3:30), The Backseat Lovers (4:15-5:10), Pretenders (6:10-7:10), Foo Fighters (7:55)

Tiki Stage

The Alive (12:30-1:00), Lindo Pimenta (1:30-2:00), Talk (2:30-3:00), Deaf Charlie (3:30-4:05), The Sacred Souls (5:20-6:00)

Keeping up with new music can be exhausting, even impossible. From the weekly album releases to standalone singles dropping on a daily basis, the amount of music is so vast it’s easy for something to slip through the cracks. Even following along with the Uproxx recommendations on a daily basis can be a lot to ask, so every Monday we’re offering up this rundown of the best new music this week.

This week saw Doja Cat unveil 2023’s defining hip-hop album so far and The National double up with their second LP of the year. Yeah, it was a great week for new music. Check out the highlights below.

For more music recommendations, check out our Listen To This section, as well as our Indie Mixtape and Pop Life newsletters.

Doja Cat — “Agora Hills”

Doja is mostly in her rap bag on her new album Scarlet, but pop-Doja gets some shine, too, on songs like “Agora Hills.” The track goes back and forth between gentle singing vocals and Doja rapping favorably about a romantic presence in her life.

The National — “Laugh Track” Feat. Phoebe Bridgers

In his thought exercise combining The National’s two 2023 albums, Uproxx’s Steven Hyden wrote of the new project’s Phoebe Bridgers collaboration, “I am a Bridgers fan, but she is an ingredient that has been way overused in contemporary indie rock, like avocado or cilantro at your favorite ‘hip’ bistro. And The National in particular have really overextended their Phoebe Bridgers usage this year. But ‘Laugh Track’ is a very good song, and limiting Bridgers overall sweetens her particular flavoring on the track.”

Zach Bryan — “Boys Of Faith” Feat. Bon Iver

Zach Bryan is already one of the year’s biggest artists with his No. 1 self-titled album, but he had more to say, and he said it on his new surprise EP, Boys Of Faith. The title track is a Bon Iver collaboration, with Justin Vernon’s distinct falsetto backing Bryan on a lush and evocative number.

Brent Faiyaz — “WY@”

Faiyaz is a big over a year removed from his most recent full-length release, 2022’s Wasteland, so he returned last week with “WY@.” Uproxx’s Aaron Williams notes of the song, “Although he tries to ‘take accountability,’ he finds himself caught up in a loop of addictive drama — and sending those three little letters that cause so much trouble.”

Bakar and Summer Walker — “Hell N Back”

Bakar’s “Hell N Back” dates back to its initial release in 2019, but he brought it back for his just-released sophomore album, but with a twist. He got Summer Walker to feature on the new version, and she brings some gentle soul to the breezy tune.

Jean Dawson and SZA — “No SZNs”

Dawson is an exciting multi-genre up-and-comer who’s managed to capture SZA’s attention, as the two collaborate on “No SZNs.” On the chilled-out but dynamic song, the two flex their vocal chops as they sing about the comfort they find in consistency.

Blink-182 — “One More Time”

Blink’s comeback album with Tom DeLonge is on the way later this fall and the latest look at it is “One More Time,” the new single they dropped last week. It’s a reflective and introspective number, on which the band looks back on their tumultuous journey and where things stand now.

Bleachers — “Modern Girl”

Do Bleachers have a new album on the way? Based on the release “Modern Girl” last week, it seems like it! The track has some heartland rock inspiration, and it’s an overall catchy number that’s perfectly fleshed out with some saxophone (and an increasingly rare sax break).

Troye Sivan — “Got Me Started”

Troye Sivan has helped make this season the summer of dance and now he’s back with more kinetic music via “Got Me Started.” An easy way to get the party going is with Bag Raiders’ “Shooting Stars,” which Sivan sampled and updated on the catchy tune that’s more of a slow burner than “Rush.”

Petey — “Family Of Six”

Uproxx favorite Petey signed his first major-label deal with Sony recently, and now he’s dropped his first album for the label. “Family Of Six,” for which Petey offered a video last week, has a lot of what Petey does best: lyrics that make you think twice and a satisfying contrast between its boisterous and intimate moments.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

As Mike Lindell is neck deep and lawsuits (and an indictment) for his efforts to help Donald Trump overturn the results of the 2020 election, Cassidy Hutchinson has revealed that the MyPillow CEO had an alarming amount of free rein during the final days of Trump’s presidency.

According to an excerpt from Hutchinson’s new book, Enough, she spotted Lindell roaming around the White House unescorted just a few days after the January 6 attack.

Via Insider:

On January 15, 2021, a week after the Capitol riot and just days before Trump was set to leave the White House, Hutchinson writes — according to excerpts of her book — that she found Lindell walking throughout the building without a staffer or a guide before he said: “We can still win.”

As Insider notes, January 15 is the same day Lindell was photographed by the Washington Post. Lindell was snapped clearly toting around notes that referenced the “Insurrection Act” and “martial law” on his way to a meeting with Trump.

Hutchinson’s book has provided a riveting look inside Trump’s White House in the aftermath of the 2020 election. The administration was rife with paranoia and shady characters like Lindell and Rudy Giuliani, who allegedly groped Hutchinson during Trump’s now infamous “Stop the Steal” rally.

According to the former Trump aide, Giuliani allegedly slipped his hand up her skirt in full view of Trump advisor John Eastman who allegedly just stood there and grinned. Giuliani has called the accusation “totally absurd.”

(Via Insider)

On Sunday, September 24, Usher simultaneously confirmed that his next album is called Coming Home and unveiled himself as the Super Bowl LVIII Apple Music Halftime Show performer. The cover art shows Usher holding a Georgia peach over the back of his neck.

“I’ve been coming home in a lot of different ways — the choice of music and reconnection to some of the people that I’ve worked with from my past and always wanted to work with,”Usher told Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, adding, “In a sense, I’m coming home because I’m in that comfortable space. When you’re at home, you’re comfortable.”

Usher has become very comfortable in Las Vegas during his Usher: My Way The Vegas Residency, so, of course, he is performing Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on February 11, 2024.

“It’s happening,” Usher told Lowe. “It has happened, ladies and gentlemen! Yes! We made it. […] It’s been a lot to keep secrets from my own kids at home. A very, very close-knit group of people knew, and we’re really excited about the entire thing. Obviously, a legacy, but more than anything, the fact that this is the most grand stage to ever play on.”

For fans who can’t bear to wait until February to see Usher, there are still plenty of Usher: My Way The Vegas Residency dates before it closes on December 2.

Coming Home will be Usher’s ninth LP and first original album release since Hard II Love in 2016. So far, the only released track is “Good Good” featuring 21 Savage and Summer Walker from August.

Coming Home is out 2/11/2024 via Mega/Gamma. Find more information here.

Usher’s wildly successful Usher: My Way The Las Vegas Residency is scheduled to end on December 2, but Usher does not plan on taking a break in 2024 — and he doesn’t even need to leave Las Vegas.

On Sunday, September 24, Usher, Roc Nation, and the NFL simultaneously confirmed that he will perform the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show at Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024. The game will broadcast on CBS.

Usher’s announcement cleverly recreated Usher’s “Confessions, Pt. II” video. One version had present-day Usher talking to the Usher in the “Confessions” video, reassuring him, “The song is gonna be fine. You get a girl pregnant; it’s gonna be a hit. […] Listen, we’re doing the Apple Music Halftime Show. The Super Bowl! In Las Vegas! I’m on set shooting the promo for it right now.”

There were several versions, each featuring Usher co-starring with someone different, including Kim Kardashian, Deion Sanders, Odell Beckham Jr., and Marshawn Lynch.

And what better time to announce an album?

Usher also confirmed that he will release Coming Home during his Super Bowl performance. He spoke with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe about both exciting developments, expressing how relieved he is to no longer have to keep the Super Bowl secret from his kids and explaining the meaning behind his new album’s title.

Watch one of Usher’s Super Bowl announcements above, and watch his clips with Lowe below.

Coming Home is out 2/11/2024 via Mega/Gamma. Find more information here.

(WARNING: Spoilers for the most recent The Chi episode will be found below.)

In the most recent episode of The Chi, titled “Who Shot Ya?” the characters on the show all said goodbye to Kevin who finally decided to take his video game talents out west after weeks of contemplation. Kevin had been offered a video game opportunity that would allow him to elevate his career, but it required a move to Los Angeles. In “Who Shot Ya,” his family throws a farewell party for him that quickly turns emotional as tears are shared between Kevin and his inner circle, and that was especially the case with his mother. Before that moment, Lynae makes Kevin promise that he will come back to Chicago to visit his family and friends and he says he will. However, will we see Kevin in the second half of The Chi season six?

Is Kevin Leaving The Chi In Season 6?

It turns out that Kevin is leaving The Chi for good. Alex R. Hibbert, who plays Kevin on the show, confirmed his departure in an emotional Instagram post. He wrote:

Dear fans and viewers,

It brought tears to my eyes just writing this. As some of you may already know, today marks my departure from THE CHI. This show has been such an important part of my life and I’m forever grateful to the people that watched me grow up on camera in front of your eyes for several years. It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to my castmates, crew members, and all of you who have supported me and throughout this incredible journey. Working on this show has been an unforgettable experience, and I am grateful for all the opportunities it has brought me. I have learned so much from my time here, and I will carry those lessons with me as I move on to new projects. To the fans who have followed me and my character’s journey, your unwavering support and love have been the driving force behind my work. I am humbled and honored to have been able to bring this character to life and share [Kevin’s] story with you. While I may be leaving this show, I am excited about what the future holds. I look forward to continuing to create meaningful and impactful work that resonates with audiences around the world. Once again, thank you for everything. I will miss this show and most importantly I’m going to miss Kevin, but I will cherish the memories and experiences forever.

Sincerely, Alex R. Hibbert

Hibbert played Kevin since the show’s start in 2018. As for what’s next, Hibbert has roles in the upcoming movies Story Ave and Good Burger 2 which will be released on September 29 and November 22, respectively.

New episodes of ‘The Chi’ are available through the Paramount Plus With Showtime plan on Fridays at 3am EST/ 12 pm PST. Weekly episodes also air Sundays on Showtime at 9pm EST/PST.

Long ago, Justified fans knew that Kaitlyn Dever was a phenomenal actress in the making. Unbelievable, Booksmart, and Dopesick confirmed as much. Dever also stars in a new sci-fi horror film that is a current overnight hit on streaming. That would be 20th Century Studios’ No One Will Save You, which essentially went straight-to-streaming via Hulu on Sept. 22.

Granted, a few lucky people did get to see the movie in limited theaters a few days prior, but for all practical purposes, this is a streaming movie release. And that’s surprising, considering that horror hits are notorious for reaping much more than their modest budgets at the box office. In this case, Brian Duffield reportedly directed the movie for just under $23 million, and if you’ve seen the it, you’ll know that A Quiet Place viewers would love it. Remember that little 2018 movie from Paramount Pictures? The sleeper film was a smash hit, opening to $50,203,562 on a $17 million budget. John Krasinski’s baby went on to gross $188 million domestically and $340 million worldwide (and a sequel did pretty darn well, too, even during Covid-19).

No One Will Save You‘s suspense is best experienced without even watching trailers, and it’s a genuinely scary movie that will put you in the spooky-season spirit. It’s both a home-invasion picture and an alien-invasion story and contains hardly any dialogue, which only adds to the seat-arm-gripping nature of the movie. Dever is winning audience accolades, and the film probably would have made a killing in theaters.

Who’s first in line to appreciate No One Will Save You? A certain horror maestro. “NO ONE WILL SAVE YOU is fun, fun, FUN,” tweeted Guillermo del Toro. “It is also smart and with great moments, staged in a classic, solid way. It avoids the pitfalls and maximizes its resources. I couldn’t think of a more perfect movie for your weekend. Fulfills all the promise of SPONTANEOUS.”

Again, though: No one seems to know why this didn’t receive a standard theatrical run. That’s especially the case for this past weekend when a holdover like The Nun 2 held off the star-packed Expend4ables.

More raving for the “in-f*cking-credible” Kaitlyn Dever would not stop.

And see? It wasn’t only great at home but also great in theaters:

[extremely Jim pretending to be Dwight voice] Reboot, remake, Battlestar Galactica. Guess which one The Office is getting?

Deep into a Puck article about the Writers Guild of America reaching a tentative deal with the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers after 146 days on strike comes this detail: “We’re also about to see a firehose of announcements of projects and castings that have been held back for fear of bad optics… Greg Daniels is set to do a reboot of The Office, for instance.”

A reboot of NBC’s The Office — which itself is an American remake of a British series — was inevitable; it’s arguably the biggest sitcom since the days of Seinfeld and Friends. Soon, it was apparently become official.

But should it? “I think because of that there’s been a resurgence in interest in the show, and talk about bringing it back. But apart from the fact that I just don’t think that’s a good idea, it might be impossible to do that show today and have people accept it the way it was accepted 10 years ago. The climate’s different,” star Steve Carell said in 2018 about a potential reboot. He added, “A lot of what is depicted on that show is completely wrong-minded. That’s the point, you know? But I just don’t know how that would fly now.”

If one of the first five episodes of the new Office isn’t called “Cancel Culture,” I’ll eat a scoop of floor chili.

(Via Puck)