Entertainment

Sandra Bullock, Bryan Randall On the Rocks After ‘Cooling-Off Period’ on August 2, 2023 at 8:57 pm Us Weekly

Published

2 years ago

August 2, 2023

Bryan Randall and Sandra Bullock 247PAPS.TV/SplashNews.com

Sandra Bullock and Bryan Randall are on the rocks after taking time apart last year, Us Weekly can confirm.

“The feeling is Sandra might be hoping for some type of miracle — that they’ll work things out after this long cooling-off period,” a source exclusively reveals in the latest issue of Us Weekly.

The chances of a reconciliation are “a long shot,” according to the insider, who adds that Bullock, 59, and Randall, 57, have been cordial amid their on-off romance, which hit a bump in fall 2022.

Us broke the news in August 2015 that Bullock was dating Randall after she hired him to photograph her son Louis’ birthday earlier that year. (Bullock adopted son Louis in 2010 and daughter Laila in 2015.)

The Miss Congeniality star’s romance continued to blossom over the years and the pair managed to keep their lives out of the spotlight.

“He’s the guy who will always get the door or get her jacket and help put it on,” a friend of Bullock exclusively told Us in November 2017. “Bryan takes care of her in all of the right ways. She feels loved and appreciated all of the time.”

Two years later, a source told Us that Bullock “loves Bryan and their life together,” but the Oscar winner wasn’t ready for marriage. “She’s perfectly content with the relationship as it is,” the insider exclusively revealed in June 2019.

Bullock, for her part, gave fans a rare glimpse at her home life with Randall in November 2021 and confirmed she was happy being partners and not legally wed.

“I am someone who went through the divorce process. I found the love of my life. We share two beautiful children — three children, [including] his older daughter [Skylar]. It’s the best thing ever,” Bullock gushed during an appearance on Red Table Talk at the time. “I don’t wanna say do it like I do it, but I don’t need a paper to be a devoted partner and devoted mother.”

Bullock further described her boyfriend as a “saint” and “the example that I would want my children to have” growing up.

In March 2022, Bullock announced that she was taking a break from acting to focus on her role as a parent. Bullock’s opinion on marriage, however, didn’t waver once she started spending more time at home, which according to a source added to tension with Randall in October 2022.

“It’s widely known Bryan wanted to make things official with Sandra, but she didn’t see a need to go down that path. It became quite an issue as time went on,” the insider exclusively told Us at the time, adding that Bullock “didn’t need a piece of paper to plan a future and be happy, but he felt differently.”

Bullock’s opposition to marriage seemingly led to Randall moving out of their home in late 2022, according to a second source who told Us that the photographer still “remains very much in the kids’ lives.” The actress’ rep, however, denied the split rumors in October 2022, telling Us, “Their relationship has not ended. They are as much together now as they have ever been.”

A third source, meanwhile, told Us at the time that “it wasn’t easy” for Randall to cope with being “Mr. Bullock” at times — especially when they were at odds.

Bullock and Randall reconnected earlier this year after taking time for themselves. “Sandra and Bryan have always enjoyed their own personal space and can live in separate places for weeks at a time,” a source exclusively told Us in February. “But [last year] they were going through some major problems and friends thought they weren’t going to make it.”

The break “was good for them” and they’re doing “better,” according to the insider, but some of Bullock’s pals fear the relationship may be beyond repair. “The romantic spark seems to be gone.”

Sandra Bullock and Bryan Randall are on the rocks after taking time apart last year, Us Weekly can confirm. “The feeling is Sandra might be hoping for some type of miracle — that they’ll work things out after this long cooling-off period,” a source exclusively reveals in the latest issue of Us Weekly. The chances

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Career Growth

“A Simple Favor” Sequel: Cast Reunites at SXSW

Published

2 days ago

March 10, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

The cast of “A Simple Favor” recently reunited at SXSW to discuss the upcoming sequel. The excitement was palpable as they shared insights into revisiting their iconic characters and what audiences can expect from the new installment.

Returning to Familiar Roles

Director Paul Feig expressed his initial hesitation about sequels, stating, “I’ve always shied away from doing a sequel because I think they’re really terrifying, and I haven’t seen many sequels that I like.” However, his love for the characters and the first film’s success on streaming platforms ultimately convinced him to revisit the story.

Anna Kendrick, who plays Stephanie, shared her enthusiasm for embracing a more unkempt version of her character. “I was really excited to play Stephanie but in sneers,” she said, hinting at a humorous evolution for her character.

Blake Lively, returning as the enigmatic Emily, expressed her love for the character, calling her “probably my favorite character I’ve ever been fortunate enough to play.” She also teased a “curveball idea” from Feig that upped the ante and made things “very uncomfortable to watch.”

Glamour and Intrigue in Capri

The sequel takes the characters to the glamorous island of Capri, a setting that Feig was determined to use despite budgetary concerns. Lively raved about the location, saying, “I want to live there, I love it so much…it’s just magical.”

New cast members Alex and Mel also shared their excitement about joining the project and filming in Capri. Mel humorously stated, “Who doesn’t want to get paid to film in Capri while working with Paul [Feig]?”

Spoilers and Twists

The cast was careful to avoid spoilers, emphasizing the many twists and turns in the film. Kendrick jokingly warned, “Stephanie stand the up dude…this is your tormentor, stab her in the neck bro, grow up here.” This comment hints at the complex and potentially dangerous relationship between Stephanie and Emily in the sequel.

A Collaborative Spirit

Andrew Rannells and Bashir Salahuddin, who are also returning for the sequel, praised Feig’s collaborative directing style. Rannells noted that Feig is “very open to letting actors improvise but also knows when to tell them that’s enough.”

Overall, the cast and director conveyed a sense of excitement and camaraderie, promising a sequel that will be both thrilling and hilarious.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life

Career Growth

Issa Rae: Giving Flowers and Calling Out History in “Seen and Heard”

Published

2 days ago

March 10, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Issa Rae, the creative force behind the groundbreaking series “Insecure,” is back with a new project that’s already generating buzz: “Seen and Heard.” This HBO docu-series is a deep dive into the history of Black television, celebrating the triumphs, acknowledging the struggles, and examining the lasting impact of representation on screen. During a conversation at SXSW, Rae discussed the making of “Seen and Heard,” her early influences, and her complicated relationship with reality TV.

Chronicling Black TV History: A Comprehensive Look

Rae emphasized the importance of creating a “comprehensive, rich history of Black television,” particularly during a time when Black creators are experiencing a renaissance in the industry. The series features interviews with television icons like Oprah Winfrey, Shonda Rhimes, Debbie Allen, Mara Brock Akil and Tyler Perry, who share their personal journeys and insights. Rae credits executive Montrell McKay and director Giselle Bailey for bringing her vision to life. She praised Bailey’s “cinematic” approach, which elevates “Seen and Heard” beyond the typical documentary format.

One of the most impactful aspects of the docu-series is its exploration of how Black audiences were used to build up networks, only to be abandoned later. Rae notes that having creators and showrunners recount this history firsthand makes the experience undeniable and is a critical part of understanding the full picture of Black television’s evolution.

Reality TV: A Villain Origin Story

Rae revealed that reality television played a significant role in shaping her desire to create meaningful content. As a child of the ’90s, she grew up watching shows like “Moesha,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” and “A Different World,” which made her feel like she wanted to be a part of the television landscape. However, the rise of reality TV, particularly the portrayal of Black women, left her feeling frustrated and underrepresented.

Rae described her relationship with shows like “Flavor of Love” as “hate-watching.” She explained a specific incident during the show’s second season premiere when a contestant was denied access to the restroom and ended up urinating on the floor on TV. This moment, she said, sparked a realization that “there has to be more than this,” and motivated her to start film blogging and eventually create her own content. Rae even jokingly gives “shout out to my haters” for inspiring her to “make something” instead of just complaining.

“Insecure” and the LA Love Letter

The conversation also touched on the lasting impact of “Insecure,” particularly its connection to Los Angeles. Rae expressed her appreciation for fans who visit landmarks featured in the show, creating their own “Insecure” LA tours. She shared a story about meeting a fan who was introduced to Worldwide Tacos through the show, highlighting how “Insecure” served as a love letter to the city. Ultimately, Rae finds it incredibly rewarding when people tell her that “Insecure” has inspired them to “do their own thing.”

Issa Rae’s “Seen and Heard” promises to be a powerful and insightful exploration of Black television history, filled with both celebration and critical analysis. By examining the past and present of representation on screen, Rae continues to inspire a new generation of storytellers and push the boundaries of what’s possible in television.

Business

The Last of Us” Season 2: Cast and Creators Share Insights at SXSW

Published

3 days ago

March 9, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

The cast and creators of the highly anticipated second season of “The Last of Us” gathered at SXSW to discuss the upcoming season. The panel featured cast members Pedro Pascal (Joel), Bella Ramsey (Ellie), Gabriel Luna (Tommy), Kaitlyn Dever (Abby), Isabela Merced (Dina), and Young Mazino (Jesse), along with co-creators Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin.

Navigating Expectations and Surprising Fans

With the immense success of season one, Druckmann and Mazin acknowledged the pressure to deliver a worthy follow-up. Mazin emphasized their approach to cater to both fans of the game and newcomers to the series. “We try and think about the people who have played the game and make sure that we keep them on their toes and a little bit surprised,” Mazin stated. Druckmann highlighted the emotional weight of adapting “The Last of Us Part II,” emphasizing the dedication of the entire production team to doing justice to the source material.

A Glimpse into Season 2

Attendees were treated to a trailer for season two, offering a glimpse into the evolving relationship between Joel and Ellie five years after the events of the first season. Ramsey described the changed dynamic, hinting at a rift between the characters. Pascal added that their relationship is in “a different place” and that it is “fucking heartbreaking”.

Big Ideas: Tribalism, Love, and Loss

The creators delved into the central themes of season two, including tribalism, the destructive nature of love, and the consequences of loss. Druckmann explained that the season explores the complexities of community and the dehumanization that can occur when groups clash. Mazin emphasized the escalation of these themes, highlighting the potential for isolation and the lengths characters will go to protect their loved ones.

New and Expanded Characters

The panel also touched on new characters and expanded roles in season two. Gabriel Luna discussed Tommy’s evolution into a father, emphasizing how it solidifies his purpose and strengthens his commitment to protecting his family and community. The introduction of new characters like Gail, played by Catherine O’Hara, and the expansion of existing characters like Isaac, played by Jeffrey Wright, promise to add depth and nuance to the narrative. Additionally, the inclusion of Joe Pantoliano as Eugene, a character mentioned but not seen in the game, offers a rewarding experience for longtime fans.

Music as a Binding Force

Music continues to play a significant role in “The Last of Us,” particularly in the relationship between Joel and Ellie. Ramsey shared that music serves as a bonding experience for the characters, mirroring the connection between the actors on set. The guitar, a symbol of Joel’s promise to teach Ellie, takes on a more prominent role in season two.

Diving into the Game

The actors discussed their individual approaches to engaging with the source material. Kaitlyn Dever shared her experience playing the game with her father, while Young Mazino admitted to playing the second game up to a certain point.

How to Find More Free Events

SXSW Official Schedule: Use the SXSW website to filter for free events.
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Whether you’re a badge holder or not, SXSW 2025 offers something for everyone. From delicious food to live music and interactive experiences, there’s no shortage of fun to be had without spending a fortune. So, grab your friends and enjoy the best of Austin without a badge!