Anna Kendrick took on a new challenge with Netflix’s crime thriller, Woman of the Hour, directing and starring in the film based on serial killer Rodney Alcala’s true story.

Initially attached as an actress, Kendrick pitched herself for the director’s chair, emphasizing her willingness to step aside if necessary. 

“I genuinely felt so strongly about the film that I just wanted to do whatever was best for the movie, and if that meant somebody else being in the director’s chair, I was fine with that,” Kendrick shared at the L.A. premiere.

Kendrick’s humble approach didn’t go unnoticed. “I think it was perhaps the most ambivalent pitch in the history of Hollywood because I can’t really do false confidence,” she joked.

After securing the director’s role, Kendrick sought advice from Paul Feig, known for comedies like Bridesmaids. “Funny enough, the first person I called was Paul Feig… I admire him so much as a filmmaker and collaborator,” Kendrick explained. Feig’s “tough love” approach proved invaluable.

The film’s success can be attributed to Kendrick’s collaboration with her cast and crew. “I was really surrounded by people who were incredibly talented and supportive, and they’re really the reason why it didn’t all fall apart all the time,” she acknowledged.

Fellow cast members praised Kendrick’s leadership. “She’s a great leader,” Daniel Zocatto (Rodney Alcala) said. Nicolette Robinson (Laura) added, “In this world, she’s a straight-A student.”

The film’s female perspective drew cast members to the project. Kelly Jakle (Sarah) noted, “I love that this story is told through the lens of the victims… it honors the victims.” Pete Holmes (neighbor) shared, “I’m the father of a daughter, and it seemed like something that needed to be told.”

Kendrick expressed her desire to direct again but is currently searching for a project that matches her passion for Woman of the Hour. “Right now, it’s daunting to try to find something that I am as passionate about as this,” she said.

Woman of the Hour premieres on Netflix on October 18.

Meghan Markle once again made it to the headlines for seemingly overshadowing Princess Kate’s much-awaited royal comeback. 

The Duchess of Sussex released a delightful video from her recent solo visit to Girls Inc. located in Santa Barbara on the official website of the Sussexes. 

The former Suits actress marked the International Day of the Girl by engaging with “young girls about their experiences growing up in the digital age.”

Alongside delightful photos and a video, the issued statement shared the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s foundation Archewell, Pivotal Ventures, and the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation teamed up to support a partnership between Girls Inc. and #HalfTheStory. 

This initiative is “aimed at delivering essential digital wellness programming to girls in underserved communities across America.”

Moreover, Prince Harry and Meghan are on a mission to create safe online spaces for the young generation. 

It is important to note that Meghan’s meaningful video message came just after Kate Middleton paid a visit to the families of victims of the Southport attack since completing her chemotherapy. 

Taylor Swift appears to have turned down the opportunity for a Hollywood cameo.

Comedy legend Adam Sandler is looking to shake things up with his highly anticipated sequel, Happy Gilmore 2. 

The buzz surrounding the film is already electric, and Sandler’s latest move could send fans into overdrive: he wants Taylor Swift to make a cameo appearance.

According to insiders, Swift’s NFL star boyfriend, Travis Kelce, has already signed on and started filming his scenes in New Jersey. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end has been taking acting lessons to prepare for his Hollywood debut.

But the real surprise came when Sandler’s team approached Swift with an offer. Initially, she thought it was a joke. “She started laughing when she was first told about the idea,” an insider revealed.

However, Sandler’s camp is serious about getting Swift on board. The couple are longtime fans of Sandler’s films, having watched the original Happy Gilmore multiple times.

“The idea of appearing in a film together sounds like a funny experience,” the insider added. Swift is still considering the offer, but if she agrees, fans are in for a treat.

“It would be hilarious,” the source said. “And Taylor knows how much this means to Travis. His acting career is something he really wants to pursue.”

Sandler’s appearance on Travis and Jason Kelce’s New Heights podcast in August sparked excitement. He joked about initially envisioning Travis as his son in the movie. “The whole thing was to hang out with Travis.”

With golfing legends like John Daly confirmed and rumors swirling about Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Bryson DeChambeau, Happy Gilmore 2 promises to be unforgettable.

Reba reunion in the new series Happy’s Place welcomed a new addition.

Ahead of the upcoming series’ premiere on October 18, creator Kevin Abbott revealed to TV Line that in addition to Reba McEntire and Melissa Peterman, another Reba alum, Steve Howey, is joining the lineup.

According to a synopsis provided to PEOPLE by NBC, Howey, 47, will portray Danny, “a wealthy business owner whom Gabby (Peterman) meets at a dog park. To impress him, Gabby pretends to be Bobbie (McIntire), thinking it will make her more interesting—until he wants to hold his holiday party at the tavern.”

Abbott mentioned that they are trying to retain Howey’s role or hoping his character could return in the future, but as for now, he is currently slated to make an appearance in just one episode of Happy’s Place.

“We absolutely want to bring some of the old cast members back in very different roles than what they played on Reba,” Abbott shared with TV Line.

In the original Reba, Howey played Van Montgomery, Reba Hart’s son-in-law, who marries her daughter Cheyenne (JoAnna Garcia Swisher) after she becomes pregnant as a teenager.