Laurie Metcalf Takes on Motherhood in ‘Big Mistakes,’ ‘Monster’ — and ‘Scream,’ Again

Laurie Metcalf arrived for the first day of filming Netflix’s “Big Mistakes” with something she needed to get off her chest. She doesn’t recall where she said it, but it was probably in the hair and makeup trailer sitting next to series co-creator and her co-star Dan Levy.

“We had just barely met at that point, but I told him, ‘I have extremely big shoes to fill, and I know that in my heart because I’m playing your second TV mom,’” Metcalf tells Variety.

She, of course, was referring to Levy’s previous TV mom, played by the late comedy legend Catherine O’Hara in “Schitt’s Creek.” In O’Hara’s hands, the character of Moira Rose was a larger-than-life presence in her son’s life, learning to love him more than she loved the spotlight — or at least just as much. In “Big Mistakes,” Metcalf is tasked with playing a similarly oversized onscreen role, and she wanted Levy to know she understood the weight of that responsibility.

“We never talked about comparisons or anything like that, and I think he wanted dynamics to be different,” Metcalf says. “But I wanted to be there for his character, just as much as Moira Rose was for him in ‘Schitt’s Creek.’”

As frenetic mayoral candidate Linda Morelli, Metcalf is both a blessing and a curse to her son Nicky (Levy) and daughter Morgan (Taylor Ortega). The siblings definitely don’t need the level of stress she brings, as they unintentionally descend further into a world of organized crime. Linda is brash, carries her moral superiority as a badge of honor and fiercely protects her children, whether they like it or not. She’s a force in the Morelli family, but she’s hardly the only difficult mother in Metcalf’s recent filmography.

lazyload fallback — Metcalf plays an entirely different mother in “Monster: The Ed Gein Story,” with Charlie Hunnam.

Courtesy of Netflix

Also on Netflix this year, the Emmy-winner tackled the role of Augusta Gein, the mother of infamous serial killer Ed Gein (Charlie Hunnam) in “Monster: The Ed Gein Story.” Augusta is a deeply religious woman who haunts her son’s psyche even before she dies — and he “resurrects” her with the exhumed body of another woman. It is perhaps the darkest role Metcalf has ever played, at least since 1997’s “Scream 2,” when she was cast as the mother of another serial killer, Billy Loomis (Skeet Ulrich), and ended up breaking bad herself.

But in “Monster,” Metcalf wasn’t interested in playing an evil mom who was cruel to her child just for the sake of it. She needed depth, something more to grab onto.

“The challenge for me was that the darkness came from their dysfunctional relationship, and knowing that her influence on him is part of the reason why his life went in a certain direction,” she says of playing Gein’s mother. “That’s a huge responsibility to accept, to know that your character is responsible for steering him into the darkness. That, and, of course, his mental disorder. The challenges can’t just be black and white. She can’t just be pure evil and he’s pure good, and she just beats him down and beats him down. So Charlie and I tried to find, in each scene, a little bit of heart in there, a little connection, and a little bit of how he did look up to his mother, no matter how she treated him.”

In choosing any role, the Tony-winning actress — who was nominated again this year for “Death of a Salesman”— is always looking for the exhilaration of being on a stage. She said both “Big Mistakes” and “Monster” gave her that opportunity.

In the case of “Monster,” Metcalf’s scenes with Hunnam are essentially a two-hander play. Their interactions are bound to the home, where he is haunted by the ghost of her influence, criticism and ill will, before and after her death. Director Max Winkler worked closely with the two actors to create a rapport that could inform their face-offs, which operate on rage and fear.

“Any scene in film or TV that has any kind of length to it, I really appreciate because that’s where you can find some traction,” Metcalf says. “That’s where you can, as an actor, get some momentum going and really lock in with your scene partners and start to find a pace. It was really just me, Charlie and Max on set. We explored a lot. Nothing was set in stone on the page, and anybody’s idea was welcome. The best idea wins, and that’s a really comforting way to work.”

Becoming Augusta Gein was a leap of faith for Metcalf, who says there were no scripts available when the role came up. “I didn’t know what to expect walking in the door,” she says.

“Big Mistakes” was a different kind of leap. Levy and co-creator Rachel Sennott’s fast-paced pilot script came with lengthy scenes and a lot of moving parts, Metcalf says.

“I think the more we rehearsed them, the more all the actors got into the groove and found our own rhythms,” she says. “We found where we could overlap, and cut each other off and cross the camera in front of each other. It was very organic, very present like theater is. I am intimidated by cameras being in the room, but less so in working that way.”

Metcalf says she immediately figured out how Linda was supposed to come barging into the lives of her children. “Dan wrote my first line of the whole series in all caps,” she says, laughing. “I knew what to do with that. It immediately got loud, and we just built from there.”

Trusting the process paid off. Metcalf’s entire “Big Mistakes” family came to see her in Broadway’s “Death of a Salesman” on opening night.

Navigating the darkness and the light of both roles brought back memories of her ”Scream 2” experience. As Debbie Salt, a fake journalist-turned-vengeful killer, Metcalf got to play in the meta sandbox of Kevin Williamson’s humor-laced horror. Nearly 30 years later, she looks back on that production as even more challenging than the dreary depths of “Monster.”

“I was very new to film back then, so the ‘Scream’ experience, for me, was a huge learning curve,” she says. “It was intense, and there were days where there wasn’t really what I would call a lightness around the set because we’re doing such heavy stuff.”

After three decades, Metcalf briefly reprised her role this year in “Scream 7.” And just like mamas Gein and Morelli, her “Scream” matriarch still has something to say.

“I find super opinionated people really funny and fun to play, because they are giving 110 percent no matter what,” she says. “Right, wrong, can’t read the room, whatever’s happening. They are giving their all.”

Just like Laurie Metcalf.

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Apple TV 2026 Release Date, Rumors, and Expected Specs

Apple TV 2026

Apple’s highly anticipated next-generation Apple TV is rumored to make its debut at the company’s September 2026 event. This potential release could mark a significant step forward for Apple’s streaming and smart home ecosystem. With expectations of advanced hardware, innovative AI capabilities, and improved connectivity, the Apple TV 2026 is poised to deliver a seamless and enhanced entertainment experience. If these leaks prove accurate, the device could reshape how you interact with both your entertainment system and smart home devices. The video below from Matt Talks Tech gives us more details about the new 2026 Apple TV.

Hardware Upgrades: A Performance Revolution

The Apple TV 2026 is expected to feature a substantial performance boost, powered by the inclusion of the A17 Pro chip, a significant upgrade from the A15 chip found in previous models. This new processor promises faster processing speeds, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced graphics performance, making it ideal for streaming high-resolution content and running demanding applications.

In addition to the upgraded chip, the device is rumored to include 8 GB of RAM, a notable increase from its predecessor. This enhancement is designed to support smoother multitasking and better performance for resource-intensive apps, making sure a more fluid user experience.

Storage options are likely to remain at 64 GB, with a possible 128 GB variant for users who require additional space for apps, games, and offline content. These hardware improvements aim to future-proof the Apple TV 2026, making it an appealing choice for both casual users and tech enthusiasts seeking a reliable and powerful streaming device.

AI and Software Innovations

Artificial intelligence is expected to play a central role in the Apple TV 2026, with significant advancements in Siri AI and Apple’s proprietary intelligence features. These updates are designed to deliver a more personalized and intuitive user experience. From smarter voice commands to tailored content recommendations, the device aims to simplify and enhance how you interact with your entertainment system.

The Apple TV 2026 will also launch with Apple TV OS 27, the latest version of Apple’s streaming operating system. This update is rumored to introduce a refreshed user interface, offering a more modern and user-friendly design. New features are expected to include deeper integration with Apple’s ecosystem, allowing seamless interaction with devices like the iPhone, iPad, and HomePod. Whether you’re streaming your favorite shows or controlling your smart home devices, the Apple TV 2026 is designed to work harmoniously within Apple’s ecosystem.

Design and Sustainability: A Greener Approach

While the overall design of the Apple TV 2026 is expected to retain its compact and minimalist aesthetic, Apple is likely to place a stronger emphasis on sustainability. The device may incorporate recyclable materials, such as aluminum or plastics, aligning with Apple’s broader environmental goals. This focus on sustainability not only reduces the device’s carbon footprint but also appeals to environmentally conscious consumers.

Apple’s commitment to eco-friendly practices could extend to the packaging as well, with the use of biodegradable or recycled materials. These efforts reflect the company’s ongoing dedication to reducing waste and promoting sustainability across its product lineup.

Connectivity and New Features

Connectivity is another area where the Apple TV 2026 is expected to excel. One of the most exciting rumored features is the inclusion of an HDMI pass-through port, which would allow additional devices, such as gaming consoles or Blu-ray players, to connect directly through the Apple TV. This feature could simplify your media setup and enhance the overall user experience, particularly for gamers and home theater enthusiasts.

The device is also expected to feature improved Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities, powered by Apple’s new N1 chip. These enhancements promise faster and more reliable connections, making sure smooth streaming of 4K content and seamless use of wireless accessories. For users who prefer a wired internet connection, Apple may offer a variant with Ethernet connectivity, providing greater flexibility to suit different needs.

Release Timeline and Pricing

All signs point to an announcement at Apple’s September 2026 event, with the device likely becoming available for purchase later that month. Apple’s consistent product release schedule lends credibility to this timeline, making it a highly anticipated event for fans and tech enthusiasts alike.

In terms of pricing, the Apple TV 2026 is expected to remain in line with current models, making sure it remains accessible to a broad audience. However, if the rumored 128 GB storage variant becomes a reality, it could lead to a slight price increase for that specific model. This pricing strategy would allow Apple to cater to both budget-conscious consumers and those seeking premium features.

What to Expect

The Apple TV 2026 has the potential to set a new standard for streaming devices. With its powerful A17 Pro chip, enhanced AI capabilities and improved connectivity, it promises to deliver a superior user experience that caters to both casual viewers and tech-savvy enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a device to elevate your home entertainment system or integrate seamlessly with your smart home setup, the Apple TV 2026 could be the perfect solution.

As Apple’s September 2026 event approaches, anticipation continues to build. If the rumored features and upgrades come to fruition, the Apple TV 2026 could redefine how you experience entertainment and smart home integration, solidifying its place as a must-have device in Apple’s ecosystem.

Unlock more potential in Apple TV by reading previous articles we have written.

Source: Matt Talks Tech

Filed Under: Apple, Technology News, Top News

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Avengers Doomsday Reveals New Trailer at Comic Con: Doctor Doom

Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige surprised San Diego Comic Con attendees with exclusive footage of “Avengers: Doomsday,” shown only to lucky fans inside of the convention center’s massive Hall H.

The trailer starts out with Victor Von Doom (Robert Downey Jr.) sitting on a throne as Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm (a.k.a. the Invisible Woman) explains how he’s broken as a person. “Victor was always the smartest guy in the room. He used to be different,” she narrates somberly. It’s clear that she and the rest of the Fantastic Four — particularly Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards — already know Doom and have a complicated past with him. “Everything he loved was taken from him,” she explains.

The trailer is interspersed with quick shots of the sprawling cast, including Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans), Black Panther (Letitia Wright), Shang-Chi (Simu Liu), Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Cyclops (James Marsden), Magneto (Ian McKellen), Gambit (Channing Tatum) and more. There’s a shot of a destroyed New York City that’s reduced to rubble, and Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards asks if Victor is responsible for the carnage.

We hear Doom say, “All of you have lived stolen lives.” Thor confronts Doom but the villain catches his magical hammer and throws it aside easily. Doom uses his magic powers to throw Thor aside and raises an army of Sentinel robots — the iconic androids from the “X-Men” movies — from the ground.

MCU fans will have to wait until Dec. 18 to see “Avengers: Doomsday” for themselves, but it’s expected to be a massive team up between the Avengers, Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts and even more of Marvel’s stars.

The countdown to “Doomsday” began last December as Marvel released four teaser trailers to start hyping up fans for the tentpole film. They featured the return of Chris Evans as Captain America, who now has a child, Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and his daughter Love, the Fantastic Four meeting Black Panther and the Wakandans and the official MCU debut of Fox’s past X-Men team.

The “Doomsday” cast is headlined by Downey Jr. as the villainous Doctor Doom, plus “Avengers” stars like Evans, Hemsworth, Paul Rudd, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie and Simu Liu. The “Fantastic Four” and “Thunderbolts” teams, comprised of Pascal, Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, Hannah John-Kamen and Lewis Pullman, are also teaming up with the original stars.

Fox’s “X-Men” cast members are also crossing over into the MCU for “Doomsday.” The returning stars include Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, James Marsden, Kelsey Grammer, Alan Cumming, Rebecca Romijn and Channing Tatum.

See a new poster for “Avengers: Doomsday” below.

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Gusty winds move through Phoenix metro

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — An outflow boundary is causing winds to gust in the lower elevations.

25 July 2026 3:40 PM MST: Strong winds are surging into the lower elevations with outflow boundaries visible as fine lines in radar reflectivity. Expect wind gusts 30-50 mph, locally stronger along the Salt River Valley. Boaters beware! #azwx pic.twitter.com/CSBY738otz

— NWS Phoenix (@NWSPhoenix) July 25, 2026

A special weather statement has been issued for Phoenix, Mesa and Chandler until 4:45 p.m. for the potential of wind gusts up to 50 mph.

The heat is also on this weekend! The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning through Monday, with temperatures soaring back over 115 degrees. We are First Alerting during this time.

Saturday will bring the hottest conditions of the weekend, with highs climbing above 115 degrees. While we won’t be breaking the record high of 119 degrees set in 2023, the extended heat poses serious health risks. Sunday will be slightly cooler but still dangerously hot, with highs around 112 degrees

Drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can develop quickly in these conditions. Check on elderly neighbors and pets, and avoid prolonged outdoor activities during peak heat hours.

Gusty winds and slight rain chance

Don’t let the heat fool you; wind will also be a factor this weekend. Expect gusty conditions across the Valley with gusts potentially exceeding 35 miles per hour. Secure loose outdoor items and use caution if driving high-profile vehicles.

A slight chance for rain exists this weekend thanks to monsoon moisture, but chances remain very low across the Phoenix metro area. Higher terrain north and east of Phoenix has a better chance of seeing some showers.

What to expect early next week

Temperatures will drop slightly to around 110 degrees on Monday, but the heat continues. Both Sunday and Monday will carry a slight chance of evening showers and thunderstorms as monsoon moisture persists.

Highs will remain near 110 on Tuesday and Wednesday before another warming trend develops late next week. Temperatures could potentially climb back into the mid-110s by the end of the week.

Stay with First Alert Weather for the latest updates on heat conditions and any changes to this forecast.

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