Ryan Reynolds is returning to screens — but this time, not as the wisecracking, R-rated superhero fans know and love. Instead, the actor is stepping into a heartwarming new role with a family-friendly live-action series titled Bedtime Stories with Ryan.

The upcoming show, created especially for young audiences, will air on Nickelodeon’s Nick Jr. channel. Designed as a playful storytime experience, the series will feature Reynolds reading both classic and original bedtime stories. These tales will visually come alive around him through imaginative storytelling and creative visuals, offering a comforting and magical viewing experience for children.

The first season will consist of 10 episodes and is set to air from March 2 to March 13. New episodes will premiere every weekday between 9 PM and 9:30 PM.

Bedtime Stories with Ryan is a passion project co-created by Reynolds alongside producer George Dewey. The show is directed by Vincent Peone and executive produced by Kelly Girth, Kevin Hill, and Victoria Shamshoyan under Reynolds’ production company, Maximum Effort. The project is being produced in collaboration with Fubo Studios, ArtClass, and Loon Productions, with Pamela Duckworth and David Gandler also serving as executive producers. Adding to its charm, the music for the series is composed by Sleeping At Last.

While fans are excited to see Reynolds in this softer avatar, 2026 promises to be a busy year for the actor on the big screen as well.

He will next appear in Animal Friends, directed by Peter Atencio. In the live-action animated adventure, Reynolds lends his voice to Pony, while Jason Momoa voices Bear. The film follows the duo on a cross-country journey across the United States as they are chased by law enforcement. Featuring a star-studded cast including Addison Rae, Ellie Bamber, Dan Levy, and Aubrey Plaza, the film is set to release in theatres on June 5.

Later in the year, Reynolds will star in Mayday, an action-comedy directed by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley. The film will premiere on Apple TV+ on September 4 and follows an American soldier who crash-lands behind enemy lines in Soviet Russia.

Fans are also eagerly awaiting Reynolds’ return as Deadpool in Avengers: Doomsday, part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which is expected to hit theatres on December 18.

Hollywood superstar Chris Hemsworth has exciting news for Marvel fans — his journey as Thor is far from over. The actor, who first brought the God of Thunder to life in the 2011 blockbuster Thor, recently revealed that he is set to wield Mjolnir again even after his upcoming appearance in Avengers: Doomsday.

Hemsworth made the revelation during a candid conversation on the Smartless podcast, where he shared insights from discussions with Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige.

According to Hemsworth, the character of Thor has evolved significantly over the years — and audiences now expect bold and unexpected changes.

He hinted that future appearances could take the hero in a completely fresh direction, promising something “unique” that continues to keep the character exciting.

Reflecting on his time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Hemsworth expressed how much he has enjoyed exploring different versions of Thor under various directors.

From the Shakespearean tone of Kenneth Branagh’s original vision to the stylized humour introduced by Taika Waititi, and the grounded storytelling of Anthony Russo and Joe Russo, the actor said each creative partnership allowed him to experiment and evolve the character.

He noted that this flexibility helped him avoid creative stagnation — something he compared to his personal need for variety, much like his tattoos.

However, Hemsworth also admitted that the comedic tone in Thor: Love and Thunder may have pushed boundaries a bit too far.

While the tonal shift in Thor: Ragnarok was widely celebrated for refreshing the franchise, he acknowledged that the sequel leaned heavily into humour — drawing mixed reactions from fans.

Some viewers felt the character had become overly comedic, prompting backlash despite the team’s intention to try something new and entertaining.

Still, Hemsworth emphasized that experimentation has been key to keeping Thor relevant.

With Avengers: Doomsday on the horizon and fresh ideas already in discussion, it seems the God of Thunder still has plenty of lightning left to unleash.

The wizarding world is preparing for a magical return — this time with an entirely new generation. HBO is officially bringing J.K. Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter series back to life through an ambitious television reboot. Stepping into the iconic roles once played by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson are young newcomers Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter, Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger, and Alastair Stout as Ron Weasley.

While fans across the globe have shared mixed reactions to the announcement, one person who has shown nothing but warmth and encouragement is Daniel Radcliffe himself.

Best known for portraying the Boy Who Lived across eight blockbuster films, Radcliffe recently expressed confidence in his young successor. In an interview, he shared his belief that Dominic McLaughlin might even surpass his own performance.

Reflecting on his early days in the role, Radcliffe admitted he was learning as he went along. Looking back now, he views his journey with greater kindness and understanding, acknowledging how much he grew during the years he spent as Harry Potter.

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As conversations online continue to compare the new cast with the original trio, Radcliffe has urged fans to be mindful of the pressures young actors face. He emphasized that if people truly wish to support the next generation, they should avoid constantly measuring them against past portrayals.

In a touching gesture, Radcliffe also revealed that he wrote a personal letter to Dominic McLaughlin after the casting announcement. The young actor responded with a sweet note of his own.

In his message, Radcliffe wished Dominic immense joy in the role, hoping he would have an even better experience than he himself had — despite describing his own time as magical.

The actor also admitted that seeing the new trio in costume stirs deep nostalgia. Watching children step into roles he once inhabited at such a young age feels surreal to him today. Still, he finds it heartwarming and hopes the new cast is enjoying every moment of the journey ahead.

HBO’s upcoming reboot aims to retell the Harry Potter saga in greater depth across multiple seasons. The series is expected to premiere in 2027, with new instalments planned annually through 2034.

As the torch passes to a new generation, Radcliffe’s support serves as a reminder that magic doesn’t disappear — it simply evolves.

Eric Dane, best known for his memorable roles on television hits Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, has died at the age of 53 following a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). His passing was confirmed on Thursday, February 19, in a statement shared with USA TODAY by his representative, Melissa Bank.

“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” the statement read. It went on to describe the actor’s final days as being spent surrounded by his closest loved ones — his devoted wife and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were said to be the center of his world.

The statement also highlighted Dane’s determination throughout his illness. “Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight,” it said. The family expressed gratitude for the love and support he had received from fans and asked for privacy as they navigate this painful time.

Dane publicly revealed his diagnosis of ALS — also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease — in an interview with People magazine last year. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control. In subsequent interviews, Dane shared that he had lost the use of his right arm, offering a candid glimpse into the physical toll the disease had taken on him.

Despite the challenges, he continued to work and remain active in advocacy efforts. Just three weeks before his passing, however, Dane was forced to withdraw from an ALS Network gala due to what the organization described in a January 25 statement as “the physical realities of living with ALS.” He had been scheduled to receive the Dean and Kathleen Rasmussen Advocate of the Year Award in recognition of his efforts to raise awareness and support research for the condition.

In a poignant twist, one of Dane’s final roles mirrored his real-life battle. On NBC’s Brilliant Minds, he portrayed a firefighter diagnosed with ALS. The performance resonated deeply with audiences, particularly given his personal connection to the illness. Many fans praised his strength and vulnerability in taking on such a role during an incredibly difficult chapter of his life.

Eric Dane rose to widespread fame through his portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan — affectionately nicknamed “McSteamy” — on Grey’s Anatomy. Introduced as a charming and confident plastic surgeon, Sloan quickly became a fan favorite. His on-screen relationships, emotional storylines, and undeniable charisma cemented his place as one of the show’s most beloved characters. Even years after his departure from the series, his character remained iconic among viewers.

More recently, Dane captivated a new generation of audiences as Cal Jacobs, the complex and often controversial patriarch on HBO’s Euphoria. His portrayal of the troubled father showcased his range as an actor, earning both praise and discussion for the layered performance. He had reprised the role for the upcoming third season of the series, set to premiere in April, making his passing all the more heartbreaking for fans anticipating his return.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dane was remembered as a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife, actress and model Rebecca Gayheart, and their daughters, Billie and Georgia. According to those close to him, his family was his greatest source of pride and strength.

Colleagues and fans alike have begun sharing tributes, recalling not only his talent but also his warmth and generosity. Throughout his career, Dane navigated the pressures of Hollywood while remaining candid about his struggles and triumphs. His openness about his ALS diagnosis inspired many, shining a light on a devastating disease that affects thousands of families worldwide.

Eric Dane’s legacy extends far beyond the characters he portrayed. From the hospital halls of Grey’s Anatomy to the raw intensity of Euphoria, he brought depth and authenticity to every role. In his final years, he used his platform to advocate for greater awareness and research for ALS, hoping to make a difference for others facing the same diagnosis.

He will be deeply missed — as an actor, an advocate, and a loving husband and father — but his impact on television and on the ALS community will not be forgotten.