Concerned Women for America, the nation’s largest public policy organization for women, is urging the Justice Department to block Netflix’s planned acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
The organization shared a copy of the letter exclusively with The Daily Wire on Thursday morning. It raises concerns about Netflix’s transparency with families and a lack of clarity in how it applies age-based ratings and content disclosures to programs marketed to children.
The letter from CWA also argued that the proposed merger “threatened competition and the public interest.” 
It pointed out that television viewership has changed and said streaming platforms have enormous sway over the viewing public, but are at the same time less regulated.
“By absorbing Warner Brothers’ extensive content library and distribution assets, Netflix would surpass the 30% market share threshold, making it a presumptive monopoly, and giving it unprecedented dominance in the streaming ecosystem,” the letter says. “Allowing such consolidation would reduce competition, harm consumers, and create a structural imbalance that would be exceptionally difficult to reverse, especially in view of the absence of a dedicated regulatory authority for streaming.”
CWA President and CEO Penny Nance wrote in the letter that Netflix has been notoriously vague about content marketed to children. The organization cited a December study finding that one-third of all Netflix shows rated for children include LGBT characters, themes, or messaging, with that percentage jumping to 41% for TV-G and TV-Y7 categories, as The Daily Wire previously <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/preschool-propaganda-study-finds-41-of-netflix-kids-shows-include-lgbt-themes">reported</a>.
Nance argued that if the Justice Department did not block the merger, it should, at a minimum, “secure concrete, enforceable commitments and publish clear public‑interest expectations for streaming platforms,” including third-party ratings, clearer content labels, including for LGBT material, enhanced child-protective settings, and frequent audits.
In a written statement to The Daily Wire, Nance said she does not believe a potential acquisition involving Paramount would raise the same concerns as the proposed Netflix deal.
&#8220;Our concerns with Netflix stem mainly from its lack of transparency around content ratings, given that children&#8217;s programming has a large amount of LGBTQ content that is not disclosed to parents,” Nance said. “Paramount does not wield the same market influence as Netflix. The DOJ must reject Netflix&#8217;s bid for Warner Bros.”
Warner Bros. agreed in December to an $82.7 billion deal with Netflix. Since then, Paramount has submitted several hostile takeover bids in an effort to block the agreement, though none have succeeded.
Warner Bros. Discovery is <a href="https://www.wbd.com/news/warner-bros-discovery-board-directors-determines-revised-proposal-paramount-skydance-could">currently reviewing</a> Paramount Skydance&#8217;s latest offer: $31-per-share cash. It includes a $7 billion regulatory termination fee and coverage of their $2.8 billion breakup fee with Netflix.

Entertainment Industry Workers Vote To Strike, Threatening Hollywood Productions

Conservative Women Expose Netflix Kids Content – How The Trump Admin Could Step In

Entertainment

Hollywood

Netflix

Paramount

Warner Bros

Robert Cosby Jr., who is the son of &#8220;The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City&#8221; star Mary Cosby, has died at the age of 23.
TMZ broke the <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2026/02/25/robert-cosby-jr-dead/">news</a> on Wednesday that Cosby Jr. died on Monday, but did not immediately reveal his cause of death. His parents, Mary and Robert Cosby Sr., told the outlet in a statement: &#8220;Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord. Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in God’s promise and in knowing he is finally at peace. We are grateful for your prayers and trust in the Lord to carry us through this time of sorrow.&#8221;
The outlet noted that police responded to a possible overdose, but so far, that information is unconfirmed.
Cosby Jr. was seen on the popular reality show and discussed his substance abuse issues there, per <a href="https://deadline.com/2026/02/robert-cosby-jr-dead-real-housewives-of-salt-lake-city-mary-cosby-son-1236736063/">Deadline</a>. In a Season 5 episode, the reality star said he used Xanax, Adderall, acid, “Molly,” and cocaine. He also confessed to his mother that he had thoughts of suicide and self-harm in the past.
“You’re the only reason I didn’t kill myself,” he told his mom in one episode. His mother replied, “You have to know I love you more than anything, more than anything in this world. I think I love you more than dad — don’t ever tell [him] I said that. But you’re my friend, you’re my son, you’re my gift. God gave you to me. You’re the only thing that ever made me happy. Before I had you, I was never happy. You came, and you were so real. You [were] everything I hoped [for] in a person.”
Cosby Jr.’s wife, Alexiana Smokoff, filed for divorce in November 2025 following accusations of domestic violence and a restraining order. These all stemmed multiple domestic incidents, including one at Smokoff’s parents&#8217; house, leading to more than a dozen charges being filed against Cosby Jr., several of which he pleaded guilty to. The divorce was finalized earlier this year. 
&#8220;Real Housewives&#8221; executive producer Andy Cohen responded to Cosby Jr.&#8217;s death on Threads, writing, “Devastatingly sad news out of SLC. This is every parent’s worst nightmare. My heart is broken for Mary, and I am sending all my love to her and Robert Sr.”

Mary Cosby

‘Real Housewives’ Star Mary Cosby’s Son Dies At 23

Celebrities

Death

Real Housewives

Reality TV

Television

Actor Robert Carradine, best known for his roles in “Revenge of the Nerds” (1984) and the popular Disney series “Lizzie McGuire” (2001-2004), has died in Los Angeles at 71.
His family shared that he died following a “valiant struggle against his nearly two-decade battle with Bipolar Disorder.” His daughter Ever confirmed that Robert died by suicide, as the New York Times <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/24/obituaries/robert-carradine-dead.html">reported</a>.
Carradine was born in 1954 in Los Angeles to the famed Carradine family. His father John and was an actor, along with his brother David Carradine of &#8220;Kung Fu&#8221; and &#8220;Kill Bill.&#8221; His other brother Christopher was a Disney Imagineer, per <a href="https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/robert-carradine-dead-revenge-of-the-nerds-lizzie-mcguire-1236670975/v">Variety</a>. Carradine began to be recognized after appearing in the 1972 western “The Cowboys” alongside John Wayne.
Carradine got major props for his role in the Oscar-winning Vietnam War drama “Coming Home” (1978) alongside Jane Fonda and Jon Voight. He also appeared in other Hollywood projects, including “The Big Red One” (1980), “The Long Riders” (1980), “Body Bags” (1993), “Escape from L.A.” (1996), and “Django Unchained” (2012).
His brother Keith Carradine said in a statement that mental health struggles are nothing to be ashamed of. 
“We want people to know it, and there is no shame in it,” he said, per <a href="https://deadline.com/2026/02/robert-carradine-dead-age-71-1236734055/">Deadline</a>. “It is an illness that got the best of him, and I want to celebrate him for his struggle with it, and celebrate his beautiful soul. He was profoundly gifted, and we will miss him every day. We will take solace in how funny he could be, how wise and utterly accepting and tolerant he was. That’s who my baby brother was.” 
The Hollywood star was also remembered by actress Hilary Duff, who played his daughter in &#8220;Lizzie McGuire.&#8221; 
“This one hurts,” she shared on Instagram Monday night. “It’s really hard to face this reality about an old friend. There was so much warmth in the McGuire family and I always felt so cared for by my on-screen parents. I’ll be forever grateful for that. I’m deeply sad to learn Bobby was suffering. My heart aches for him, his family and everyone who loved him.”
Jake Thomas, who played Carradine’s son in “Lizzie McGuire,” also paid tribute to his late co-star with an Instagram post. 
“My heart hurts today,” the actor wrote. “I was fortunate to know Bobby for most of my life. And he was one of the coolest guys you could ever meet. Funny, pragmatic, sometimes cranky, always a little eccentric. He was a talented actor, musician and director. But more than anything, he was family. I have many fond memories of being with him and his family throughout my life. Good moments, challenging moments and lots of laughs in between.”
“I looked up to him growing up. And later, I came to realize he thought I was pretty neat, too. So I guess I was doing something right,” he concluded.
Carradine is survived by his three children.

Robert Carradine

‘Revenge of the Nerds’ Actor Robert Carradine Dies At 71

U.S.

This article is part of <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/introducing-upstream-a-lifestyle-and-culture-section-of-the-daily-wire" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Upstream,</a> The Daily Wire’s new home for culture and lifestyle. Real human insight and human stories — from our featured writers to you.
***
&#8220;A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,&#8221; which aired the final episode of its first season on Sunday, has become <a href="https://variety.com/2026/tv/ratings/knight-of-the-seven-kingdoms-the-pitt-season-2-viewership-1236667803/">incredibly popular</a>, even among many conservatives who are otherwise critical of George R.R. Martin’s &#8220;Game of Thrones&#8221; universe. Movie reviewer The Critical Drinker <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRAoyJ493N4">called it</a> &#8220;probably the best show on TV right now.&#8221;
Many on the Right have long accused &#8220;Game of Thrones&#8221; of being dark and nihilistic and subverting traditional notions of heroism. Prequel &#8220;A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms&#8221; lacks those flaws: Its protagonist, Dunk, is a clearly good person who sets out on a hero’s journey. While he’s not perfect, he’s strong and good-hearted. As he travels throughout the world, he meets compelling side characters, overcomes adversity and danger, and becomes a better, wiser person in the process.
As is typical for HBO, the series is brilliantly shot, acted, scored, and so forth. The story is well written, and you get a real sense of the characters even when they have limited screen time. Some of the more childish humor doesn’t land well, but my primary critique of &#8220;A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms&#8221; is a good one to have: It was too short. The show is excellent, and its message is a lot more complex than it may seem. (Warning: This article contains spoilers for Season 1 of &#8220;A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.&#8221;)
After the death of Dunk’s mentor and surrogate father, Arlan of Pennytree, Dunk decides to compete in a tournament. On his way, he meets a boy with a shaved head who calls himself Egg. Egg, innocent but suspiciously well-informed about the world, wants to squire for Dunk. Dunk, however, encounters a problem: None of the lords remember who Arlan was, let alone will vouch for Dunk’s claim to be a knight — nobody, except for Prince Baelor Targaryen, the wise, even-tempered, and honorable heir apparent to the Iron Throne. With that settled, Dunk prepares to compete.
When Baelor’s nephew Aerion attacks a puppeteer over a play, Dunk leaps to her defense. Aerion’s guards subdue Dunk, but before they can do him any harm, Egg reveals himself to be Aerion’s younger brother Aegon. Dunk now has to fight for his very life: He must find six champions to fight in a trial by combat against Aerion and his six. Unexpectedly, Baelor takes Dunk’s side over that of the rest of his family because, despite the political considerations, he’s convinced of the righteousness of Dunk’s cause. Dunk prevails, only for Baelor to be accidentally slain by a blow to the head from his own brother, Maekar, the father of Aerion and Egg. In the aftermath, Dunk agrees to take Egg on as his squire, and the two head out on the road together to future adventures.
What complicates things is that Dunk’s story may all be built on a lie. The show strongly hints Dunk was never knighted by Arlan. That means that he had no right to take Egg on as a squire, no right to compete in the tournament, and no right to demand a trial by combat. Had he not told that lie, none of the events surrounding the tournament would have happened, and Baelor and the others who died in his defense would still be alive. I did not like this theory at first because I felt it besmirched Dunk’s character and the righteousness of his cause. And in one sense, it does. But in another sense, it makes the character all the more compelling.
It shows that heroism is not the sole province of the morally unblemished. If Dunk did lie, he did the wrong thing — yet it was his moral courage that got him into trouble. Regardless of whether he was one or not, Dunk still did what any true knight should have done by defending a woman from Aerion’s cruelty. Egg did the right thing by standing by Dunk and rallying men to his side. And Baelor did the right thing by putting his life on the line to defend Dunk against Baelor&#8217;s own family.
The prince’s demise is a blow to the royal family and to the whole realm, and Dunk personally feels guilt for his part in depriving the Seven Kingdoms of what would have been a great king. And yet, Dunk doesn’t take the understandable path of wallowing in his own culpability. He does the only thing he can do: try to live his life in a way that makes Baelor’s sacrifice worth it. And the best way he can do that is to shape Baelor’s good-natured but impressionable nephew Aegon into a virtuous man.
The message of &#8220;A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms&#8220; is this: A hero is not a perfect person. A hero is an imperfect person who chooses to do the right thing anyway. In the short term, heroes are not always rewarded, no matter if you’re Baelor Targaryen or Ned Stark of &#8220;Game of Thrones.&#8221; But even so, it’s still important to do the right thing — both for its own sake and because it inspires the people watching you to follow in your footsteps. In our own fallen, imperfect world, that’s a lesson that’s both aspirational and applicable.
While George R.R. Martin is no conservative, his writing speaks to timeless human principles and nature that conservatives accept and liberals reject. &#8220;A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms&#8221; is doubtless a more traditional story than is typical for Martin. And yet, it still explores what he describes as the key theme of his work: <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2011/07/george-rr-martin-on-sex-fantasy-and-a-dance-with-dragons/241738">the human heart, in conflict with itself</a>. On that topic Dunk the Lunk, thick as a castle wall though he is, has a lot to teach us.
* * *
Stephan Kapustka is a writer at the American Spectator. Follow him on X <a href="https://x.com/SteveKapustka">@SteveKapustka</a>.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” Special Screening

Hollywood Makes A Story Where Doing The Right Thing Still Matters

Culture

Upstream

Actor Martin Short’s daughter, Katherine, has died at the age of 42, her family announced on Tuesday. 
&#8220;It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short. The Short family is devastated by this loss and asks for privacy at this time. Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world,&#8221; Katherine’s family said in a <a href="https://people.com/martin-short-daughter-katherine-dead-at-42-11913565">statement</a> to People.
Short has been a staple of Hollywood for decades, beginning with roles in sketch comedy, including “Second City Television” and “Saturday Night Live.” The Emmy Award winner, who is Canadian, is well known for his role as Franck Eggelhoffer in “Father of the Bride” (1991) and its sequel.
The actor has co-starred in the Hulu comedy series “Only Murders in the Building” alongside Steve Martin and Selena Gomez since 2021, a role that earned him an Emmy nomination, a Golden Globe nomination, a Critics&#8217; Choice Television Award, and a SAG Award.
Katherine was adopted by Martin and his late wife of 30 years, Nancy Dolman. Nancy died from ovarian cancer in 2010, as People noted. The couple also shared two other adopted children.
Short’s daughter stayed mostly out of the public eye and was not involved with acting at all. Katherine was a licensed social worker at UCLA&#8217;s Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital for several years and worked part-time at a clinic doing community outreach. She appeared with her father at several events over the years. 
Per <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2026/02/24/martin-short-daughter-katherine-dead/">TMZ</a>, the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call from a Hollywood Hills home at 6:41 p.m. on Monday for a possible suicide. The outlet noted that Katherine reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Short recently posted a tribute to his colleague, Catherine O’Hara, who died from a pulmonary embolism caused by cancer last month. 
“Catherine O’Hara, I met when she was 18 years of age, and all these years later, she has been the greatest, most brilliant, kindest, sweetest angel that any of us worked with,” Short said during his “The Best of Steve Martin and Martin Short” comedy show last month. “So God bless Catherine.” 
Short and Martin are scheduled to perform at their comedy show for two performances this weekend, and no information on postponements was available as of Tuesday.

Martin Short Katherine Short

Martin Short’s Daughter Katherine Dies At 42

Actor Robert De Niro, who is afflicted with one of the worst cases of Trump Derangement Syndrome on record, is now crying about Trump’s presidency and insisting he will “never” be gone.
The 82-year-old celeb said as much during an appearance on MS NOW host Nicolle Wallace’s podcast “The Best People.&#8221;
&#8220;People have to resist, resist, resist, resist, resist. That&#8217;s the only way. There&#8217;s no magic. There&#8217;s no nothing – people are not going to go away, even if Trump dies for some reason by having an illness or something,&#8221; De Niro said. &#8220;Parts of that movement are still there, and that&#8217;s the scary part. It has to be neutralized by the people.&#8221;
<iframe loading="lazy" title="De Niro gets EMOTIONAL on Trump’s division and REMOVING him from office when he “won’t leave”" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cJ7WzcpPrVE?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
He also called Trump an “idiot” and said, “We got to get rid of him … he’s gonna ruin the country. Everything that this country has worked for and represents.”
At another point, Wallace mentioned a speech the actor gave in 1981 about “lifting people up,” which prompted the actor to bring the conversation back to politics.
&#8220;You have to,&#8221; De Niro said as the tears flowed. &#8220;You have to lift people up. You have to bring them together. Period. You can&#8217;t divide people. You can&#8217;t win that way. It&#8217;s a no-win situation.&#8221;
&#8220;And look, what we have. Look who we have there,” he went on. “It&#8217;s almost like our destiny to have this thing they&#8217;re destroying — attempting to destroy this country and maybe not even understanding why. So it&#8217;s up to us to protect the country.&#8221;
&#8220;All I know is people have to resist, resist, resist, resist,” he repeated. “There&#8217;s no easy way. It&#8217;s not going to come to you easy. You know, there&#8217;s a time when you know in your own life and your own survival, you better do this, you better jump and run through the fire. Because if you don&#8217;t run through the fire, you&#8217;re not getting out, and that&#8217;s what we have to do.&#8221;
In the past, De Niro has made every possible criticism of Trump, insinuating that he’s a “Nazi” and questioning his humanity.
“Trump does not understand anything about humanity,” the “Raging Bull” star <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/de-niros-latest-rant-trump-is-an-alien-who-wants-to-hurt-people?author=Amanda+Harding&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=undefined&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=De+Niro%E2%80%99s+Latest+Rant%3A+Trump+Is+An+%E2%80%98Alien%E2%80%99+Who+%E2%80%98Wants+To+Hurt+People%E2%80%99">said</a> in October, as The Daily Wire previously reported. “He has no empathy. I don’t know what he is, but he’s an alien, and he wants to hurt this country. It’s something deeply psychological in him. He wants to hurt people.”

Robert De Niro

De Niro Literally Cries About Trump Presidency, Says He ‘Will Never Leave’

De Niro Literally Cries About Trump Presidency, Says He 'Will Never Leave'

Donald Trump

Politics

Robert de Niro

Trump Derangement Syndrome

A judge for the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) has resigned after a man with Tourette’s syndrome shouted the n-word during Sunday night’s televised ceremony, sparking backlash over how the incident was handled.
Jonte Richardson resigned from BAFTA&#8217;s emerging talent judging panel, calling the organization&#8217;s handling of the situation “utterly unforgivable,” Variety <a href="https://variety.com/2026/film/awards/bafta-jury-member-steps-down-over-n-word-incident-1236671070/">reported</a>.
The controversy began when Tourette&#8217;s advocate John Davidson shouted the slur while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting the award for Best Visual Effects. Both presenters are black, and the moment drew particular criticism given the word&#8217;s history and the setting.
Davidson has said Tourette&#8217;s syndrome includes <a href="https://tourette.org/resource/understanding-coprolalia/">coprolalia</a>, a vocal tic that can involve &#8220;involuntary outburst of obscene words or socially inappropriate and derogatory remarks.&#8221; He and advocacy groups said the symptom was responsible for the slur shouted during the presentation. 
“I cannot and will not contribute my time, energy, and expertise to an organization that has repeatedly failed to safeguard the dignity of its black guests, members, and the black creative community,” Richardson <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/bafta-jury-member-quits-jonte-richardson-tourettes-awards-1236513461/#:~:text=Jonte%20Richardson%20posted%20on%20social,By%20Lily%20Ford">said</a> in a statement.
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/show/friendly-fire?utm_campaign=dwplus&amp;utm_content=20260224_sotu_aa_desktop&amp;utm_medium=website&amp;utm_source=banner" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-sk="tooltip_parent">Watch the State of the Union with The Daily Wire! Live coverage from the nation’s capital begins at 7:45 ET.</a>
BAFTA and the BBC, which broadcast the remarks, are facing backlash for initially airing the ceremony without editing out the slur. 
Following the incident, the event host, BAFTA, and Davidson each issued apologies. Davidson said he was “deeply mortified” by what occurred. 
“You may have noticed some strong language in the background. This can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience. Thanks for your understanding and helping create a respectful space for everyone,&#8221; host Alan Cumming said immediately afterward.
“I can only add that I am and always have been deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning,” Davidson said in a <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/tourettes-campaigner-john-davidson-statement-apology-bafta-1236512771/">statement</a> to The Hollywood Reporter. 
Davidson said he appreciated that the audience had been warned in advance that his tics are involuntary and not reflective of his beliefs, adding that he was &#8220;heartened&#8221; by applause that followed. He said he later chose to leave the ceremony early because he was &#8220;aware of the distress&#8221; the incident had caused.  
Davidson also said he has &#8220;spent my life trying to support and empower the Tourette&#8217;s community&#8221; and remains committed to promoting empathy and understanding.
In its own statement, BAFTA acknowledged that guests &#8220;heard very offensive language that carries incomparable trauma and pain for so many” and apologized for the &#8220;harm this has caused&#8221; while thanking Davidson for &#8220;his dignity and consideration.&#8221;
The U.K.-based charity Tourette’s Action also issued a statement stressing that Davidson&#8217;s remarks were involuntary.
In a statement <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVGnQbrjh2d/">posted</a> to Instagram, Tourette&#8217;s Action said it was &#8220;deeply sorry to the black community for the harm caused&#8221; while emphasizing that tics are &#8220;not a reflection of a person’s beliefs, intentions, or character.”
The organization added that people with Tourette&#8217;s might say words they do not mean or endorse because the symptoms are neurological, not intentional, and said media backlash over the incident &#8220;has been extremely saddening.&#8221;

Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo

Live Awards Show Racial Slur Ignites Firestorm And Debate Over Tourette’s

United Kingdom

World

“The Sopranos” star Michael Imperioli suggested that the characters in the HBO crime drama would “probably” be supporters of Donald Trump if the show were made today.
“The show is about the American dream, especially through the eyes of immigrants,” the actor <a href="https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/tv/features/the-sopranos-michael-imperioli-steve-schirripa-b2919914.html">said</a> during an interview with The Independent this month. 
“I think that would be one of the big themes if it was made today: the current climate in the US and what they’re doing to immigrants,” he went on. “The fact is that these characters are all immigrants, but I think a lot of them would probably be Trump supporters, oddly enough. So how do they reconcile those things? When Italians came over – and people forget this, or they don’t want to see it – a lot of them were undocumented,” the actor went on.
Imperioli is best known for his starring role as Christopher Moltisanti in the iconic series, which many consider to be one of the greatest television shows ever made. “The Sopranos” ran for six seasons from 1999 to 2007, telling the story of mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) trying to balance family life with his violent career path.
Imperioli was nominated for Emmy Awards four times, winning once for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama.
This isn’t the first time Trump has been mentioned in conjunction with “The Sopranos.” In 2019, series creator David Chase said Gandolfini wouldn’t be a Trump fan. 
“He would think the guy was full of [expletive],” he <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/07/arts/television/david-chase-sopranos-interview.html">told</a> The New York Times at the time. “Whether he thought he was a good president or not — I don’t know that Tony thought much about that question at all, with anybody who was in office. But I know Tony would have thought Trump was penny-ante, in terms of his lying and presentation.”
The television exec also noted that A.J. Soprano, played by Robert Iler, would have been part of the first Trump administration. 
&#8220;He might be the new chief of staff,&#8221; he told the outlet. &#8220;He&#8217;d be buddy-buddy with Stephen Miller, I know that.&#8221;
Imperioli’s comments are in direct opposition to what he was saying in 2020 when the actor posted several memes about “Sopranos” characters being Biden supporters.
“I’m taking ownership of the confusion between myself and the character and trying to control that narrative instead of letting it get away from me…. Taking these memes and the politics and just trying to say, ‘the Sopranos are woke now, and they’re campaigning for Biden,’” the actor <a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/10/the-sopranos-joe-biden-christopher-michael-imperioli?srsltid=AfmBOooVUboLiGUhFtZeTajPeo1-VOxX27KwzuPmnUhWXEkr2bGRYZZa">told</a> Vanity Fair at the time.

Michael Imperioli

‘Sopranos’ Star Reveals How Tony And The Crew Would Vote Today

Michael Imperioli Says 'Sopranos' Characters Would 'Probably' Be Trump Supporters

Nick Reiner pleaded not guilty Monday to charges that he killed his parents, filmmaker Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner.
The 32-year-old is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, with a special circumstance allegation tied to multiple homicides, per <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/nick-reiner-pleads-not-guilty-to-charges-of-murdering-parents-1236512505/">The Hollywood Reporter</a>. If convicted, he could face life in prison without parole, and Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has said the case is eligible for the death penalty.  
Reiner did not address the court beyond responding to routine questions during Monday&#8217;s arraignment. It remains unclear what defense strategy he will pursue. Court records and prior reporting have referenced struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues. 
The deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner, who were discovered in their home on December 14, stunned Hollywood. Their son, Nick, was charged with their murders shortly afterward. Witnesses have alleged he was behaving erratically at a party hosted by Conan O&#8217;Brien shortly before the killings. 
Nick Reiner’s two siblings, Romy, 28, and Jake, 34, issued a statement after their brother’s first court appearance.
 “Words cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day. The horrific and devastating loss of our parents, Rob and Michele Reiner, is something that no one should ever experience. They weren’t just our parents; they were our best friends.”
According to police documents, when Romy discovered her parents&#8217; bodies, she told responding officers that her brother had been living in the home and described him as “dangerous.”
Last month, Reiner’s attorney, Alan Jackson, <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/nick-reiner-loses-high-profile-attorney-ahead-of-arraignment-public-defender-appointed">withdrew from the case</a> for undisclosed reasons. 
Jackson is known for taking on high-profile matters, including cases involving actor Kevin Spacey and disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein. He recently represented Karen Read, who was <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/karen-read-acquitted-of-murdering-cop-boyfriend">acquitted</a> in the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe.
Jackson told reporters he could not “legally or ethically” disclose what had changed, but said he had spent “literally every waking hour” reviewing the case.

Nick Reiner

Nick Reiner Pleads Not Guilty In Shocking Murder Of Parents

Murder

Rob Reiner

Actor Dennis Quaid said his former party has left him behind and that Hollywood has swayed far to the Left, along with the rest of the Democrats.
The actor made the remarks during an appearance last week on “The Greg Laurie Show” podcast. 
“Things have gone so extremely, so far left right now. I saw a podcast — it was Bill Maher and Dana Carvey, and I’m forgetting the other guy’s name — but anyway, I think it was Dana Carvey [who] said, ‘I’ve told my friends in Hollywood I’m a Clinton Democrat, and some of them are calling me a Nazi now,’” Laurie suggested.
“You can’t do that,” Quaid replied, adding that these days, being a Clinton-era Democrat is the “same thing as being a neo-con, on the right side or whatever. What used to be, you can’t be anymore.”
The “Reagan” actor doesn’t consider himself a Republican but instead said, “I’m a common-sense independent,” who also leans “more conservative in my head.”
“I’m just for common sense, is really what I am,” Quaid added.
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Dennis Quaid&#039;s Journey: Faith, Hollywood, Recovery &amp; Untold Stories with Pastor Greg Laurie" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l8kSYCF6Usw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Laurie said he believed Trump was “very personable, incredibly funny, a good listener, and [a] surprisingly approachable person.”
Quaid agreed that the president is “surprisingly approachable and very funny. And really genuine. He wouldn’t be president if he wasn’t genuine. The people who voted for him, they know that he has their best interests at heart, that he is a genuine person.”
“I’ve never seen anybody with that kind of energy,” the actor went on. “People say that about me, but he’s really got a lot of energy.”
“We’re going through a spiritual revolution,” Quaid said later in the interview. “I’m not talking Republican and Democrat … but I am talking about those two coming together.”
Quaid made headlines in 2024 after <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/dennis-quaids-reagan-loved-by-audiences-hated-by-critics">starring</a> in the biopic “Reagan” about the former Republican president, which was yet another film that had a vast disparity between audience score and critical reviews.
When urging fans to see “Reagan,” the actor said, “If you were born before 1985, you’ll be able to remember how great this country was. And if you were born after 1985, you can see how great this country still can be.”
“He was also my favorite president,” Quaid said just after the movie premiered.

Dennis Quaid

‘Really Genuine’: Hollywood Star Praises Trump, Says Tinseltown Has Gone Too Far Left

Dennis Quaid Calls Trump 'Really Genuine,' Says Hollywood Has Gone Too Far Left

It&#8217;s opening weekend for &#8220;I Can Only Imagine 2&#8221; — the sequel to the faith-based smash hit &#8220;I Can Only Imagine,&#8221; which raked in $83 million in 2018, paving the way for more Christian entertainment.
&#8220;I Can Only Imagine 2&#8221; highlights the real story of Tim Timmons, a Christian singer who joins the hit-making band MercyMe at the height of the group&#8217;s career.
Timmons&#8217; own challenges helped MercyMe lead singer, Bart Millard, to face problems of his own.
MercyMe&#8217;s &#8220;I Can Only Imagine&#8221; was the song behind the first film, while the second film&#8217;s foundation is the song &#8220;Even If,&#8221; written by Timmons about his terminal cancer diagnosis.
Diagnosed with stage four cancer 25 years ago and given five years to live, he still has tumors on his liver today &#8212; but his battle with the disease and how he leaned on his faith, all while inspiring his bandmates to get through their hardships, is on full display in &#8220;I Can Only Imagine 2.&#8221;
&#8220;My story isn&#8217;t cancer; my story is finding joy through it. I think cancer is the dumbest story I know, but how we get through it is the beautiful story,&#8221; Timmons told The Daily Wire at the Nashville premiere. &#8220;For me to have this shown to the whole world and to invite the world to be grateful in the midst of grief is really powerful.&#8221;
When Timmons joined MercyMe, the band was selling out arenas and inspiring a generation, but you will see in the sequel that much was going on behind the scenes.
Millard, who grew up with an abusive father, is threatened by his past demons in the second film, which affects his already fragile relationship with his son, Sam. It&#8217;s Timmons who brings a new perspective to Millard&#8217;s life as the leading man learns about his bandmate&#8217;s hardships and health battles, which help Millard repair the relationships in his own life.
&#8220;At the height of our career, when things seemed to be going great, is when we were struggling the most at home,&#8221; Millard told The Daily Wire. &#8220;I appreciate the fact that this movie tapped into that because it&#8217;s real. If people can walk away saying &#8230; I&#8217;m not in this alone, then it&#8217;s worth it.&#8221;
Timmons is portrayed by actor Milo Ventimiglia, who said &#8220;I Can Only Imagine 2&#8221; will help others find their inner strength.
&#8220;For me, it just reaffirms the way of being out in the world,&#8221; Ventimiglia told The Daily Wire. &#8220;We all go through those tough times in life; put your faith to work.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/LyndenBlake?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LyndenBlake</a> interviews the cast, crew, and special guests on the red carpet for I Can Only Imagine 2, out today! ✨
Watch the original film, I Can Only Imagine, now streaming on DailyWire+. <a href="https://t.co/XaQB1y1MwN">pic.twitter.com/XaQB1y1MwN</a>
— DailyWire+ (@dailywireplus) <a href="https://twitter.com/dailywireplus/status/2024977990375850133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2026</a></blockquote>
At the red carpet rollout for the movie in Nashville, The Daily Wire&#8217;s own Reagan Conrad joined other big names from the Music City, including Amy Grant, to celebrate the film&#8217;s release.
Conrad said the sequel is proof there is a desire in the culture for more Christian movies.
&#8220;It is really encouraging because I know it is going to reach so many people with the word of Jesus,&#8221; Conrad said.
&#8220;I Can Only Imagine 2&#8221; is now playing in theaters everywhere. The original film, &#8220;I Can Only Imagine,&#8221; is now playing on DailyWire+.

Credit: Jason Kempin via Getty Images

After The Original Smashed The Box Office, There Is More Story To Tell In ‘I Can Only Imagine 2’

Christian Movies

DailyWire+

Movies

The Daily Wire

Lights! Camera! How-dee!
The city of Los Angeles is losing film and TV productions at an alarming rate. That opens up new opportunities for cities to prove that La La Land can hunker down just about anywhere.
Take Nashville, for instance. Other non-L.A. destinations have made their mark as production hubs — think Atlanta, Georgia, and Toronto. Now, it may be Nashville’s turn in the spotlight.
The Tennessee locale is known as a country music Mecca. More recently, it’s welcomed a growing group of filmmakers who clamor for its talented locals, rich cultural history and, yes, a lower price tag than the City of Angels.
Think “9-1-1: Nashville,” Showtime’s “George &amp; Tammy,” Nicole Kidman’s “Holland” and the upcoming “Scarpetta” (Prime Video), Netflix’s “Ruth &amp; Boaz,” and a film opening Feb. 20, “I Can Only Imagine 2.”
<div id="attachment_1047423" style="width: 874px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1047423" class="size-large wp-image-1047423" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/Nashville-911-864x576.jpg" alt="Ryan Murphy Television. User Error Productions. 20Th Television." width="864" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/Nashville-911-864x576.jpg 864w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/Nashville-911-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/Nashville-911-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/Nashville-911-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/Nashville-911-1800x1200.jpg 1800w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/Nashville-911-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/Nashville-911.jpg 2048w" sizes=" (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px" />Nashville 911. Ryan Murphy Television. User Error Productions. 20th Television.</div>
The sequel to the sleeper 2018 hit revisits how MercyMe became a Christian music sensation, and the struggles lead singer Bart Millard (John Michael Finley) had following his breakthrough hit.
Co-Founder of Kingdom Story Co. and co-director of the film Andrew Erwin, a pioneer in the faith-based film space, tells The Daily Wire why he tackled the sequel.
“It’s the movie that you didn’t know you needed,” he says. The first film appeared to wrap Bart Millard’s story up, but the singer and his fellow musician Tim Timmons — played by Milo Ventimiglia in the film — suffered subsequent tragedies that made a follow-up film make sense.
<div id="attachment_1047439" style="width: 875px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1047439" class="size-large wp-image-1047439" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/Milo-Mercy-Me-865x576.jpg" alt="Photo by Jake Giles Netter/Lionsgate/Jake Giles Netter/Lionsgate - copyright 2026 Lionsgate" width="865" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/Milo-Mercy-Me-865x576.jpg 865w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/Milo-Mercy-Me-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/Milo-Mercy-Me-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/Milo-Mercy-Me-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/Milo-Mercy-Me-1800x1200.jpg 1800w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/Milo-Mercy-Me-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/Milo-Mercy-Me.jpg 2048w" sizes=" (max-width: 865px) 100vw, 865px" />Jake Giles Netter/copyright 2026 Lionsgate</div>
And Nashville has proven to be particularly welcoming to Christian artists. That wasn’t the case back in Los Angeles, Erwin said.
“There’s a group of us that started doing faith stories 15, 20 years ago, and we were all struggling to get our feet under us,” Erwin says. “We could literally end any dinner party in L.A. by saying we were faith film guys. They would instantly get a fake phone call and walk out of the meeting.”
Entertainment culture started to swing in their spiritual direction.
“Something has shifted in the past 10 years, particularly in the last five … there has been an appetite for hope. Stories of faith were considered cheesy. Now, they’re counter-culture, rebellious. It’s kind of punk rock.”
<div id="attachment_1047343" style="width: 394px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1047343" class="size-large wp-image-1047343" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/GettyImages-2261337233-384x576.jpg" alt="NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - FEBRUARY 12: Andrew Erwin attends the &quot;I Can Only Imagine 2&quot; Nashville Premiere at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on February 12, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)" width="384" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/GettyImages-2261337233-384x576.jpg 384w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/GettyImages-2261337233-200x300.jpg 200w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/GettyImages-2261337233.jpg 683w" sizes=" (max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px" />Jason Kempin/Getty Images</div>
What better place than Music City to sing from their storytelling hymnals?
“There’s been a real freedom here,” says Erwin, who even bumps into fellow filmmakers at church. “You don’t have to apologize for us being able to do things that we believe.”
“For whatever reason, a group of actors and writers and directors and producers are all finding (Nashville),” he continues. “I can’t give a reason why … we just feel like we’re supposed to be here.”
“I Can Only Imagine 2” filmed exclusively in Nashville, save a critical sequence shot at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheater. The veteran filmmaker was initially hesitant to lean so heavily on Nashville, but the film’s team assuaged those fears.
“We had been worried if the crews were strong enough … it was the best crew I ever had … the most cheerful, the most team-oriented, the least amount of divas, blue collar, everything you aspire to,” he says.
He still wants the state to beef up its incentive programs to grow that crew base and keep it steadily employed.
Nashville has an Oscar-winning benefactor on its side: Kidman is eager to make movies closer to her <a href="https://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/nicole-kidman-keith-urban-kids-divorce-custody-home/">Tennessee home</a>. 
<div id="attachment_1047431" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1047431" class="size-large wp-image-1047431" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/Kidman-holland-1024x425.jpg" alt="Photo by Courtesy of Prime/Courtesy of Prime - copyright Amazon Content Services LLC" width="1024" height="425" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/Kidman-holland-1024x425.jpg 1024w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/Kidman-holland-300x125.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/Kidman-holland-768x319.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/Kidman-holland-1536x638.jpg 1536w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/Kidman-holland.jpg 2048w" sizes=" (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />Courtesy of Prime/Courtesy of Prime &#8211; copyright Amazon Content Services LLC</div>
Plus, newer studio space is helping smooth this transition. <a href="https://www.nashvillescene.com/arts_culture/coverstory/nashville-film-industry/article_b76671a9-cee1-44e5-84cb-6f30cf4fa99a.html">Recent Nashville-area additions</a> include Vu Studios in West Nashville, Worldwide Stages in Spring Hill, and Skyway Studios.
Erick Goss, CEO of the Christian streaming platform Minno, says Nashville has a cultural advantage.
“People recognize there’s a real creative community here in Nashville [already] with Christian and country music, a real appreciation of the arts,” says Goss, who established his kid-focused company in the city seven years ago.
“It’s not like institutions have moved here, but talent has moved here,” Goss says. “It’s different than Seattle or L.A. There’s a real sense of pride and civic nature here … people love what Nashville stands for and want to be a part of it.”
Some pieces of the Hollywood-like puzzle are still missing, he says.
“There are really world-class storytellers here in Nashville. They don’t necessarily have access to capital in the way they need,” he says.
Goss brings a wealth of experience to Minno, including time spent at Amazon and in the U.S. Military. He praises Nashville as having the “highest caliber” of talent he’s seen. What’s missing? Major tech companies that can complement the city’s blossoming production.
<div id="attachment_1047341" style="width: 874px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1047341" class="size-large wp-image-1047341" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/GettyImages-2261145346-864x576.jpg" alt="NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - FEBRUARY 13: (L-R) Tim Timmons, Milo Ventimiglia, Bart Millard, John Michael Finley and Trace Adkins attend Lionsgate's &quot;I Can Only Imagine 2&quot; Night at The Grand Ole Opry on February 13, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Lionsgate)" width="864" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/GettyImages-2261145346-864x576.jpg 864w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/GettyImages-2261145346-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/GettyImages-2261145346-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/02/GettyImages-2261145346.jpg 1024w" sizes=" (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px" />Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Lionsgate</div>
“What company will aggregate and bring that talent together?” he asks. “We need more talented operators coming into the systems, creating companies that execute really well,” he says, noting that Erwin’s “I Can Only Imagine 2” arrives courtesy of his partnership with Lionsgate, an established film studio.
The key to creating the next L.A.-style production hub is simple, Goss says.
“Get the best projects, the best people, and the best money together. That’s happening. We’re beginning to see these things coalesce [in Nashville],” he says.
Erwin says it helps to believe in both the city and a Higher Power.
“There’s an emboldening that happens when you realize you’re not alone. I can really stay true to the stories I’ve felt called to tell and not have to apologize for it because there are a lot of others who believe what I believe,” Erwin says. “It’s been amazing to see people of faith just find Nashville.”
* * *
Christian Toto is an award-winning journalist, movie critic, and editor of <a href="https://www.hollywoodintoto.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HollywoodInToto.com</a>. He previously served as associate editor with Breitbart News’ Big Hollywood. Follow him at <a href="https://www.hollywoodintoto.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HollywoodInToto.com</a>.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.
This article has been updated for clarity.

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