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Justin Long Explains How the ‘Physicality’ of ‘Goosebumps’ Role Affected Him on November 18, 2023 at 4:00 pm Us Weekly

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Justin Long in ‘Goosebumps.’ Disney/David Astorga

Justin Long has been having a blast on Goosebumps — but his role as English teacher Nathan Bratt has come with some physical challenges.

During an exclusive interview with Us Weekly ahead of the Friday, November 17, season finale, Long, 45, opened up about filming the scenes where his character is possessed by the ghost of teenager Harold Biddle.

“[The show] gave me a lot of freedom to explore the physicality of jumping back and forth between bodies. And it was the first time that I really felt the consequences — the physiological effects of it,” Long explained to Us. “I started seeing a chiropractor in Vancouver [for] pretty regular adjustments. It kind of did finally take a toll on my body.”

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The actor clarified that his extensive filmography also contributed to his health issues, adding, “I don’t think it was this job necessarily. It was just all the other jobs before that I hadn’t been properly stretching and maintaining things. I just wasn’t doing that. I had the arrogance of youth.”

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Goosebumps, which premiered in October, follows five teenagers who must work together after accidentally releasing supernatural forces. Halfway through the first season, the main group ended up locked in Harold’s mind, and Mr. Bratt helped them escape.

Mr. Bratt was eventually able to regain control of his body, but not before Long got to play out the character being thrown against lockers and trying to physically fight his way back. After using his experience as inspiration for a book series, Mr. Bratt made a major mistake by bringing back Slappy the Dummy and resurrecting Kanduu so he would have an ending for his story.

Long has tried to justify Mr. Bratt’s controversial decision, which wreaked havoc on the fictional town of Port Lawrence.

“I like the idea that Harold Biddle — having occupied [Mr. Bratt] for a while — may have rubbed off on him a little bit. Just in terms of being a little bit more reactive and in the last episode making a real deal with the devil kind of thing. I wonder if that was influenced by Harold Biddle and Slappy and all that,” Long noted to Us. “I just tried to create [an explanation], because sometimes if you’re making these [narrative] swings [and] jumping in and out of bodies, then you have to try to justify them and keep track of the logic.”

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For Long, it was interesting to see Mr. Bratt’s reasoning come down to writer’s block gone awry.

Related: Every ‘Goosebumps’ Books Easter Egg Featured in Disney+’s TV Adaptation

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Goosebumps proves that creating a successful TV adaptation is all about incorporating the source material while still putting an original spin on the story. The spooky series, which is streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, is the newest take on R. L. Stine‘s iconic book franchise. Goosebumps follows five teenagers who must work together after accidentally […]

“Having written a few things, that’s always a relatable struggle to not be able to come up with an ending. That was also important, that the stakes [made it] clear that he really wanted this,” he continued. “Being a well-known writer and having this, it was important to him and to his ego and to his sense of purpose. That was to the point where he would dig up this body and that he would go to those lengths.”

During the season finale, viewers saw Mr. Bratt clearly shaken by how his decisions almost led to Kanduu killing all the people in town. Mr. Bratt’s problems, however, are far from over, because he’s now seemingly possessed by Kanduu.

Long, meanwhile, is excited to take on the challenge of playing Mr. Bratt as he is taken over by a much darker force. “It would be fun to explore a totally different character and wrestle with [being taken over] by a much different character,” the actor said. “In this case, [Kanduu] is kind of a real tyrant and a very self-centered person. Whereas I think Harold was more just like a confused and lost teenager.”

Despite Mr. Bratt’s mistakes, Long is thrilled about where the layered character’s story could go from here.

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“I was glad that they took it in that direction. I was also really advocating the exploration of what happens psychologically after you’ve been possessed,” he added. Once you get your body back — I was thinking about this a lot — and there’s a scene in the last episode about somebody struggling with this. How invasive it must feel to not have control of your body and somebody else is in there. I thought it was interesting. It was kind of funny to explore that and I hope it goes in that direction.”

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Although Long didn’t previously read R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps books, all it took was a glance at the script to make him want to tell Mr. Bratt’s story.

“Horror in general allows a little bit more freedom to explore and to take some bigger swings with the character. Because this was an adult and then he’s possessed by the spirit of Biddle,” Long told Us. “It was interesting to explore that kind of teen alienation and how easy it was at that age to feel alone and unseen and unheard. Sometimes that can manifest in a really unhealthy way.

He concluded: “But really, it was fun playing a teenager. I love youthful characters, but this was different. I got to really explore both the limitations of being a teenager and the freedom of it.”

All episodes of Goosebumps season 1 are now available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu.

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Justin Long has been having a blast on Goosebumps — but his role as English teacher Nathan Bratt has come with some physical challenges. During an exclusive interview with Us Weekly ahead of the Friday, November 17, season finale, Long, 45, opened up about filming the scenes where his character is possessed by the ghost 

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Beyoncé’s Unreleased Music Stolen in Atlanta Car Break-In

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Atlanta, GA — Unreleased music by Beyoncé, along with critical tour plans and personal belongings, was stolen during a brazen car break-in last week. The theft occurred on July 8, just before the start of the megastar’s “Cowboy Carter” tour performances in Atlanta, sparking a swift police investigation.

According to authorities, thieves targeted a rented SUV parked at Krog Street Market, shattering the rear window and making off with two suitcases. Inside were five thumb drives containing unreleased, watermarked Beyoncé tracks, set lists for upcoming shows, and sensitive information tied to her tour. Laptops, headphones, and luxury clothing were also taken in the heist.

The property belonged to Beyoncé’s longtime choreographer, Christopher Grant, and dancer Diandre Blue, who discovered the break-in less than an hour after leaving the vehicle. “It’s really, really important information in there,” one of the victims told 911 operators, emphasizing the material’s significance for one of the world’s most prominent musicians.

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Atlanta police rapidly secured an arrest warrant for a suspect, aided by surveillance footage and digital tracking of stolen electronics. As of Tuesday morning, the suspect remains at large25. Despite the disruption, Beyoncé continued her sold-out tour, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.

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Adults, Fame, and a Four-Year-Old: Critics Question Ms. Shirley’s Exposure to Grown Men

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Starkville, Mississippi — The viral rise of 4-year-old LaR’iyah Jesireé, better known as “Ms. Shirley,” has captivated millions on TikTok and Instagram. But as her fame grows, so too does a wave of public concern—particularly over her appearances at meet-and-greet events attended by adults, including grown men, raising urgent questions about child safety, parental responsibility, and the blurred boundaries of social media stardom.

A Viral Sensation in the Spotlight

Ms. Shirley’s infectious line dances, especially her signature “Boots on the Ground” routine, have made her a household name in the world of social media. With over a million followers and appearances on national television, she’s become a symbol of youthful talent and joy.

But behind the viral videos lies a controversy that has split public opinion. Critics argue that the very events fueling her fame—public meet-and-greets, often at venues not designed for children—expose her to adult environments and attention that are inappropriate for someone her age.

The Flashpoint: Meet-and-Greet Backlash

  • Adult Attendance: Social media erupted after images and videos surfaced of Ms. Shirley participating in meet-and-greet events where the majority of attendees were adults, many of them men. Critics questioned the wisdom of placing a young child in such settings, with some calling it “gross and exploitative”.
  • Parental Decisions Under Fire: The backlash intensified as Ms. Shirley’s mother, Latisha Tucker, defended her choices online, insisting she remains a protective parent first. “I’m a mother… before anything,” Tucker said in response to critics, but detractors remain unconvinced, pointing to the risks of adult attention and the potential for exploitation.

Safety, Exploitation, and the Role of Social Media

  • Child Safety Concerns: The controversy has led some observers to report the family to Child Protective Services, citing fears over Ms. Shirley’s exposure to adult audiences and the pressures of internet fame at such a young age.
  • Debate Over Exploitation: For every fan who sees a proud mother sharing her daughter’s talent, there are others who see a child being thrust into the limelight for adult entertainment. Critics warn that the combination of viral fame and adult-dominated events could have lasting consequences for Ms. Shirley’s well-being.
  • Online Reactions: The internet is divided—while many celebrate Ms. Shirley’s talent, others voice discomfort at seeing a toddler perform in spaces where alcohol and adult behavior are present. Some question why a 4-year-old is being branded with a mature-sounding stage name and presented in such grown-up contexts.

The Mother’s Response

Latisha Tucker, Ms. Shirley’s mother, has not shied away from the criticism. She maintains that her daughter’s appearances are carefully managed and that the backlash is fueled by outsiders who misunderstand their intentions. Tucker has publicly stated that any earnings from Ms. Shirley’s fame will be set aside for her future, and insists that her daughter is simply “being a kid like any other kid.” Still, she acknowledges that the scrutiny comes with the territory of internet celebrity.

SOURCE: TIKTOK / @@LARIYAH.MISSSHIRLEY

A Broader Conversation

The uproar over Ms. Shirley’s meet-and-greets is part of a larger debate about the responsibilities of parents who share their children’s lives online, the adequacy of social media safeguards, and the potential for exploitation in the pursuit of viral fame. As platforms like TikTok continue to blur the lines between childhood and celebrity, the story of Ms. Shirley stands as a flashpoint—one that forces parents, platforms, and audiences alike to confront uncomfortable questions about where to draw the line.

Table: Key Issues in the Ms. Shirley Controversy

IssueDescription
Adult Attendance at EventsGrown men and other adults present at meet-and-greets, sparking safety concerns
Parental OversightDebate over whether Ms. Shirley’s mother is protecting or exploiting her child
Child SafetyReports to CPS and public calls for better safeguards for young social media stars
Online DivisionFans celebrate her talent, critics warn of long-term risks and inappropriate exposure

As Ms. Shirley’s star continues to rise, so does the scrutiny. For now, her story remains a cautionary tale at the intersection of childhood, celebrity, and the unpredictable power of the internet.

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Nicki Minaj Demands $200 Million from Jay-Z in Explosive Twitter Rant

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Nicki Minaj has once again set social media ablaze, this time targeting Jay-Z with a series of pointed tweets that allege he owes her an eye-popping $200 million. The outburst has reignited debates about artist compensation, industry transparency, and the ongoing power struggles within hip-hop’s elite circles.

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The $200 Million Claim

In a string of tweets, Minaj directly addressed Jay-Z, writing, “Jay-Z, call me to settle the karmic debt. It’s only collecting more interest. You still in my top five though. Let’s get it.” She went further, warning, “Anyone still calling him Hov will answer to God for the blasphemy.” According to Minaj, the alleged debt stems from Jay-Z’s sale of Tidal, the music streaming platform he launched in 2015 with a group of high-profile artists—including Minaj herself, J. Cole, and Rihanna.

When Jay-Z sold Tidal in 2021, Minaj claims she was only offered $1 million, a figure she says falls dramatically short of what she believes she is owed based on her ownership stake and contributions. She has long voiced dissatisfaction with the payout, but this is the most public—and dramatic—demand to date.

Beyond the Money: Broader Grievances

Minaj’s Twitter storm wasn’t limited to financial complaints. She also:

  • Promised to start a college fund for her fans if she receives the money she claims is owed.
  • Accused blogs and online creators of ignoring her side of the story, especially when it involves Jay-Z.
  • Warned content creators about posting “hate or lies,” saying, “They won’t cover your legal fees… I hope it’s worth losing everything including your account.”

She expressed frustration that mainstream blogs and platforms don’t fully cover her statements, especially when they involve Jay-Z, and suggested that much of the coverage she receives is from less reputable sources.

Credit: Heute.at

Satirical Accusations and Industry Critique

Minaj’s tweets took a satirical turn as she jokingly blamed Jay-Z for a laundry list of cultural grievances, including:

  • The state of hip-hop, football, basketball, and touring
  • The decline of Instagram and Twitter
  • Even processed foods and artificial dyes in candy

She repeatedly declared, “The jig is up,” but clarified that her statements were “alleged and for entertainment purposes only.”

Political and Cultural Criticism

Minaj also criticized Jay-Z’s political involvement, questioning why he didn’t campaign more actively for Kamala Harris or respond to President Obama’s comments about Black men. While Jay-Z has a history of supporting Democratic campaigns, Minaj’s critique centered on more recent events and what she perceives as a lack of advocacy for the Black community.

The Super Bowl and Lil Wayne

Adding another layer to her grievances, Minaj voiced disappointment that Lil Wayne was not chosen to perform at the Super Bowl in New Orleans, a decision she attributes to Jay-Z’s influence in the entertainment industry.

Public and Industry Reaction

Despite the seriousness of her financial claim, many observers note that if Minaj truly believed Jay-Z owed her $200 million, legal action—not social media—would likely follow. As of now, there is no public record of a lawsuit or formal complaint.

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Some fans and commentators see Minaj’s outburst as part of a larger pattern of airing industry grievances online, while others interpret it as a mix of personal frustration and performance art. Minaj herself emphasized that her tweets were “for entertainment purposes only.”

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Conclusion

Nicki Minaj’s explosive Twitter rant against Jay-Z has once again placed the spotlight on issues of artist compensation and industry dynamics. Whether her claims will lead to further action or remain another dramatic chapter in hip-hop’s ongoing soap opera remains to be seen, but for now, the world is watching—and tweeting.

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