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The Unseen Robin Hood: Director John Irvin on His Anti-Thatcher Film Thirty-five years ago, two films about the legend of Robin Hood – stealer from the rich, giver to the poor – met and duelled in cinemas; we all know who won, Kevin Costner’s big-budget blockbuster, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. But what about the other one? It was titled simply Robin Hood, directed by John Irvin and starring Patrick Bergin in the title role alongside a pre-Pulp Fiction Uma Thurman as Maid Marian. The Aim Was to Give Kevin Costner's Version a Good Kicking “It was very much a stand-alone film with the aim of giving Kevin Costner’s version a good kicking if we could,” says Irvin, now 85. “The studio wanted to go immediately because they wanted to pre-empt Costner.” The Data Analysis: A Modest Budget and Box Office Return The film had a modest budget and was released internationally, but in the US it premiered as a three-hour TV film in May 1991. Costner’s film took just short of $400m in worldwide receipts and became the year’s summer blockbuster. The Impact Analysis: Anti-Thatcherism and Social Commentary Irvin admitted: “The production was tricky. It was cold and wet. It was winter, so Robin Hood couldn’t be in ‘Merry England’. All the trees were bare, so nobody could hide and ambush people. “Quite serendipitously, we found in Cheshire, near the castle, a whole warren of salt mines. I thought it was perfect because it was underground. It was my attempt to give a more honest version of Robin Hood during the middle ages. Around the time of the film there were poll tax [protests] in England. There is a sort of underlying current of anti-Thatcherism in the movie, which was picked up by one or two critics. We tried, without being too on-the-nose, to make it relevant to Thatcher’s England. It was subversive, but in a very, I hope, subtle and nuanced way.” The Prediction: A Legacy Reevaluated “I think it holds up well. The story of Robin Hood seems to be woven into our national psyche. When there’s a sense of oppression, it’s good to have a saviour like Robin Hood, who’s going to give two fingers to the establishment.”

The Lead Christopher Nolan's forthcoming film, The Odyssey, has generated excitement with the release of a new trailer and an interview with the director on Stephen Colbert's US chatshow. The film, scheduled for release on July 17, is an adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic poem, starring Matt Damon as Odysseus. Nolan's Vision for The Odyssey Nolan has been interested in adapting The Odyssey for a long time, having been lined up to replace Wolfgang Petersen on the film Troy, which dramatized Homer's Iliad. Nolan's interest in Greek mythology and his experience with complex narratives make him a natural fit for the project. The Film's Details The trailers for The Odyssey show glimpses of the Cyclops, the whirlpool Charybdis, and Odysseus summoning the spirits of the dead. The crisis on Odysseus' home island of Ithaca is also depicted, with Robert Pattinson playing Antinous, the most odious of the suitors. The famous wooden horse, a key part of the Iliad, will also feature in the film. The Data Analysis No specific data or financial information is available about the film's production or expected box office performance. The Impact Analysis The Odyssey has not been given a definitive cinematic treatment before, despite being one of the greatest adventure stories of all time. Nolan's adaptation is expected to bring the epic poem to life on a big scale, with a vast canvas and timeless themes of family ties, homecoming, and revenge. The Prediction Given Nolan's track record of creating cerebral spectaculars, it is likely that The Odyssey will be a visually stunning and thought-provoking film. The movie's success will depend on how faithfully Nolan adapts the original poem and how well the story translates to the big screen.

The Mysterious Discovery of the Cadborosaurus In 1937, a strange creature was pulled from the stomach of a sperm whale off Canada's west coast. The creature, known as the Cadborosaurus, had a dog-like head, a camel-like nose, and a horse-like tail. It was covered in a thin white film and measured around 3 meters in length. The Event Details The creature was laid out on a platform of wooden boxes and photographed for a local newspaper. The images show a long, serpentine body with a small head and a tail. Some witnesses believed it to be a sea monster, while others thought it might be an unknown species. The Data Analysis Many scientists believe that the Cadborosaurus was likely a decomposing basking shark. When basking sharks decay, their massive gill-basket collapses, leaving a long neck-like structure and a small head. The breaking down of muscle fibers and cartilage can give fins a furry, feather-like appearance. The Impact Analysis The mystery of the Cadborosaurus highlights the tragic decline of basking sharks in the region. The species was once thriving off Vancouver Island but was slaughtered to virtual local extinction. Today, basking sharks are rarely seen, and their misidentification can lead to confusion and speculation about sea monsters. The Prediction As efforts to protect the waters of the Pacific and vulnerable species continue, there is renewed interest in the Cadborosaurus and the basking shark. A rare sighting of a basking shark in 2024 has sparked new discussions about the species and the importance of conservation efforts.

The Harsh Reality of Motherhood in Gaza On May 10, many flowers and boxes of chocolates will be gifted to mothers in the United States, Canada, and elsewhere. However, in Gaza, 22,000 women have been killed in two and a half years, and many children dread this special day because it reminds them of intolerable pain. The Impact of Genocide on Gaza's Mothers The genocide has brought immense suffering to Gaza's mothers. Maternal death rates during childbirth increased threefold during the genocide, with 220 Palestinian women dying while giving birth in Gaza between January and June 2025. The famine has disproportionately affected pregnant and breastfeeding women, putting them and their children at risk of death and various health complications. The Personal Story of Struggle The author's mother, Najat, is suffering from cancer, which was diagnosed late. On Mother's Day, she did not wear her finest clothes and did not join the family for a special meal. She was frail and worn down after undergoing chemotherapy. The author silently prayed that her mother would remain with her a little longer, holding back tears to avoid adding to her mother's pain. The Burden of Survival More than 22,000 women have lost their husbands and are now forced to be both mothers and fathers to their children, carrying the excruciating task of survival amid a genocide. Many mothers have to live with the constant pain of losing their children in Israeli attacks; more than 21,000 of the victims of the genocide were children. The Lack of Medical Care Israel has made sure that Gaza's mothers are not getting the treatment they need. The Israeli army has bombed all hospitals in Gaza and destroyed the only specialized oncological hospital. This has meant that cancer and chronic illness patients are not receiving proper treatment, and regular checkups that can catch diseases in early stages are not possible. The Uncertain Future The author's mother needs radiation therapy, which is not available in Gaza. She has been given a medical referral, which has not been approved yet. She is one of 20,000 Palestinians in Gaza in urgent need of evacuation, which has been purposefully made brutally slow. The author's mother may not survive, and her suffering, along with that of many other Gaza mothers, will go unseen.

The Stunning Upswing Daniel Dubois stunned Fabio Wardley with a brutal and bloody performance, coming back from two knockdowns to secure a victory in the 11th round and claim the World Boxing Organization's (WBO) World Heavyweight title. The Fight Details The intense all-British clash took place at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester, United Kingdom, on Saturday. Referee Howard Foster stepped in at the start of the 11th round to signal the end of the fight, with Wardley bleeding heavily from the bridge of his nose and his right eye almost closed. The Knockdowns and Comeback Dubois was dropped by a right hook in the first 10 seconds of the fight. He rose again in the third round but continued to pulverize Wardley. Dubois's relentless pressure forced Wardley's corner to inspect his facial wounds after the eighth round, with doctors and the referee taking a look in rounds nine and 10. The Aftermath Dubois's win marked his 23rd professional victory in 26 fights, while Wardley now has a 20-1-1 record. Veteran promoter Frank Warren, who manages both men, hailed the fight as the best heavyweight bout he had ever put on and confirmed there was a rematch clause in the contract. The Future Outlook With this victory, Dubois becomes a two-time World Heavyweight champion, having previously held the International Boxing Federation (IBF) title. The win sets the stage for potential future matchups in the heavyweight division, with Dubois looking to solidify his position as a top contender.

The Power of Anthropic's Mythos Model When Anthropic unveiled its new Mythos model in April, it also delivered a stern warning to anyone developing software. The model was so powerful at sniffing out software vulnerabilities, the lab claimed, that it had discovered thousands of high-severity bugs that would need to be fixed before it could be made public. Improving Software Security with AI Now, security researchers for Mozilla's Firefox browser are providing a closer look at what that process has looked like in practice, and what Mythos' powers mean for software security at large. In a post published on Thursday, Mozilla said Mythos has unearthed a wealth of high-severity bugs, including some that had lain dormant in the code for more than a decade. The Data Behind the Discovery In April 2026, Firefox shipped 423 bug fixes, compared to just 31 exactly a year earlier. The researchers have also published details on 12 of the bugs, which range from a pair of unusual sandbox vulnerabilities, to a 15-year-old error in how the browser parses an HTML element. The Impact on Cybersecurity The fact that the system helped reveal vulnerabilities in Firefox's 'sandbox' system is particularly impressive, given how intricate an attack that exploits it needs to be. To find sandbox vulnerabilities, the model must write a compromised patch for the browser, then attack the most secure part of the software with the new code implemented. Finding and demonstrating the bug is a delicate, multi-step process, requiring both creativity and close attention. The Future of AI in Cybersecurity It's still not clear how AI's emerging capabilities will change the broader balance of power in cybersecurity. One month since Mythos was previewed, most of the bugs discovered likely haven't been patched, which makes it hard to capture the full scope of their impact. Anthropic has been scrupulous about following responsible disclosure norms, but it's likely bad actors are using similar techniques behind the scenes, even if the models they're using aren't quite as good. The Prediction Speaking at a recent event, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei was optimistic that the new tools would ultimately favor defenders. 'If we handle this right, we could be in a better position than we started, because we fixed all these bugs. There are only so many bugs to find,' Amodei said. 'So I think there's a better world on the other side of this.'

The Deadline Approaches: Startup Battlefield 200 Applications Close May 27 Startup Battlefield 200 applications are open, but only for three more weeks. Apply by May 27 for your shot at VC access, global visibility, TechCrunch coverage, $100,000 equity-free, and more opportunities for major scaling impact. Who Should Apply: Pre-Series A Founders and Ambitious Startups Pre-Series A founders — and anyone who knows a startup worth backing — this is your reminder: The deadline is approaching fast, and the strongest contenders are already entering the arena. If your startup has been nominated, don’t wait. Complete your application now before the window closes. Know a startup that deserves to step into the spotlight? Nominate them now to give them time to complete the application by the deadline. The Opportunity: A Platform for Growth and Visibility This is not just another pitch competition. Startup Battlefield 200 puts you on the main stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 in front of 10,000+ attendees, top-tier investors, media, and the global TechCrunch audience. You are competing live, getting direct VC feedback, and proving your company belongs among the next breakout startups. What We’re Looking For: Innovative and Ambitious Startups We’re looking for ambitious early-stage startups building innovative, potentially category-defining products. Applications are open globally across every industry. Most selected companies are pre-Series A, though select Series A startups may qualify case by case. A functional MVP and clear product demo are required. Most importantly, we’re looking for founders building with vision, execution, and real market impact. A Proven Track Record: Launchpad for Successful Startups This is the same launchpad where companies like Dropbox, Discord, Fitbit, Trello, and Mint gained early momentum. Thousands apply every year. Only 200 are selected. Just 20 finalists pitch live on the Disrupt Stage. One startup takes the crown. The Benefits: High ROI Opportunity for Early-Stage Founders Selected startups receive one of the highest ROI opportunities available to early-stage founders. It’s free to apply, and the potential return — from investor exposure to media coverage and customer growth — can create real scaling impact. The Final Push: Don’t Miss the Deadline Applications close May 27. The founders who break through are not waiting until the final hour — they are already making their move. If you are building something category-defining, or know a founder who is, now is the time to step forward. Nominate your startup — or one that deserves the spotlight — and complete your application before the deadline runs out.

Danny Dyer arrived at a Guardian photoshoot in white, clutching a massive bouquet, and declared himself a “middle‑aged heart‑throb”. After three decades of playing East End villains and TV bad‑boys, the actor is now front‑and‑center of the new series Rivals, positioning him as one of Britain’s most unlikely romantic leads. The Unexpected Heart‑Throb Turn in “Rivals” In the first season of the TV adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s bonkbuster, Dyer portrays Freddie Jones, a self‑made electronics mogul whose soft‑spoken charm contrasts sharply with Dyer’s earlier roles as a football‑hooligan or a pub‑landlord on EastEnders. The character’s moral clarity and gentle humor have forced audiences to reassess the actor’s on‑screen persona. Cover of Rolling Stone UK (June 2026) – first major magazine cover in Dyer’s 30‑year career. Simultaneous projects: The Dyers’ Caravan Park (Sky), One Last Deal (film), Channel 4’s The Siege, and ITV’s Nobody’s Fool. Recent interview at a East London pub underscored his connection to his roots while embracing the new “rom‑com hero” image. Financial Upswing: Earnings from New Projects Dyer’s pivot is not just artistic; it’s financially lucrative. Reported figures from recent interviews reveal a steady climb in his remuneration: £250,000 per year for his long‑running role as Mick Carter on EastEnders. £100,000 for a single episode of the game show The Wall. £3 million box‑office gross for the film Marching Powder, his most profitable movie to date. Undisclosed but “substantial” fees for Rivals and the upcoming One Last Deal, reflecting his broadened market appeal. Cultural Ripple: Redefining Masculinity in British Media The shift arrives at a moment when UK society is grappling with a “masculinity crisis”. Recent statistics show an 18 % rise in reported football‑related violence (2024/25 season) and a surge in misogynistic incidents in schools. Dyer’s softer on‑screen persona offers a counter‑narrative to the traditional “hard‑man” archetype, suggesting that audiences are ready for more nuanced male characters. His portrayal of Freddie Jones emphasizes emotional openness without sacrificing authority. Media commentary links Dyer’s evolution to broader industry trends toward “gentle‑strength” heroes. Fans and critics alike note the potential for Dyer to become a role model for a new generation of British men. What’s Next for Danny Dyer? With the second series of Rivals already in production and a packed slate of reality‑TV and drama commitments, Dyer appears set to cement his place as a versatile, cross‑genre star. Industry insiders predict: More rom‑com leads in both TV and streaming platforms, leveraging his newfound “heart‑throb” brand. Potential expansion into international co‑productions, given his recent Rolling Stone exposure. A possible return to stage work, perhaps revisiting Pinter’s plays with a matured perspective. Whether he continues to juggle reality shows, podcasts, and acting gigs, Dyer’s willingness to reinvent himself suggests that the “hard‑man” label is finally becoming a thing of the past.

Prime Time Classic AdaptationsAt 9pm on BBC Four, viewers can enjoy The Count of Monte Cristo, a four-part French-language adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' classic novel. This version follows the enjoyable romp from the 2024 movie adaptation, splitting it into four episodes. By the end of the first instalment, our hero Edmond is attempting a prison break.Evening Quiz and Reality ShowsAt 6.25pm on BBC One, Bradley Walsh hosts another edition of the vintage word-matching quiz Blankety Blank. Contestants seek help from celebrities including Joe Marler, Sue Perkins, Trevor Nelson, Josh Pugh, Tasha Ghouri and Sara Barron.Exploring Africa's Wild FrontiersChannel 4 presents Secret Africa: Into the Wild at 7pm, following explorer Lucy Shepherd as she journeys across Tanzania. Accompanied by nomadic Hadza and Akie tribesmen, she treks to a sacred volcano while passing dangerous lion prides and attempting to spot hippos for the first time.Unusual Luxury RetreatsAt 8pm on Channel 4, World's Most Secret Hotels showcases extraordinary accommodations including caves in South Africa, a lighthouse in Sweden, and the transformed Bodmin Jail in Cornwall, which now boasts opulence beyond the wildest dreams of its former inhabitants.Medical Drama and ComedyBBC One's Casualty at 8.45pm addresses a chemical issue rather than a pandemic, with doctors performing a complex procedure to remove a blood clot from a patient's skull. Later at 10pm on Sky One, Saturday Night Live UK features Aimee Lou Wood as the celebrity host with musical performances from Meek.Classic Film OfferingsFor film enthusiasts, Sky Cinema Premiere presents Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, showing at 8am, 4.10pm, and 10.25pm. This sequel follows the band's reunion concert in New Orleans fifteen years after their split. Talking Pictures TV offers From Here to Eternity at 4.35pm, Fred Zinnemann's Oscar-laden drama set on an army base in Hawaii in 1941. BBC Two presents Black Box at midnight, a 2021 French thriller reminiscent of 1970s US paranoia films.Live Sporting EventsSports fans have multiple options throughout the day. BBC Two covers the Snooker World Championship semi-final starting at 10am. The Women's Champions League Football continues with Lyon v Arsenal at 1.30pm on BBC Two. ITV 1 presents horse racing from Newmarket including the 2,000 Guineas at 1.15pm. Premier League Football features Arsenal v Fulham at 5pm on Sky Sports Main Event.