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Velma is officially a lesbian in Scooby-Doo

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Unruly Folk
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Velma and Coco

It’s about damn time. After years of speculation, Velma is officially a lesbian in the brand-new movie ‘Trick or Treat Scooby-Doo!‘.

In the film, while the Mystery Inc. gang is trying to solve another spooky case, Velma finds herself in full gay panic mode the second she sees costume designer Coco Diablo. The scenes quickly went viral on Twitter, confirming decades-long suspicions held by franchise fans.

James Gunn, writer of the 2002 and 2004 live-action adaptations, and Tony Cervone, supervising producer on the Mystery Incorporated series, confirmed the character’s sexuality. However, it has never been allowed to be demonstrated onscreen until now.

Why It Matters That Velma Is Officially A Lesbian

Confirming that Velma is a lesbian is incredible not just for representation but also because of the positive impact she can have on young viewers. For years, kids (and adults) have seen themselves in Velma—an intelligent, independent woman who isn’t afraid to speak her mind and stands up for her beliefs. Now, at long last, those same kids can also see themselves represented through Velma’s adorable crush.

But she dated Shaggy. Doesn’t that make her Bi?

No. Previous dating history does not dictate a person’s sexuality. The show’s creators have explicitly stated that Velma is a lesbian, but higher-ups censored them from showing it. That, paired with good ol’ compulsory heterosexuality, is why it has taken so long to make it official.

What Is Compulsory Heterosexuality?

The theory of compulsory heterosexuality posits that heterosexuality is assumed to be the norm and enforced by society, meaning that anyone who does not adhere to heterosexuality is marginalised, punished and forced to conform.

Compulsory heterosexuality is a tool of oppression and a significant factor in why lesbians often remain closeted. In many cases, women who do come out are met with physical and emotional violence, reinforcing the idea that heterosexuality is the only acceptable way to be and that anyone who deviates from this norm is abnormal and deserves punishment. Comphet is especially difficult for young people to navigate and overcome, as they naturally crave validation and want to fit in with their peers.

This is why it’s so meaningful that Velma is finally a lesbian in the new Scooby-Doo movie. Each step forward in LGBTQ+ representation is helping to create a more inclusive world for everyone—a world where everyone can feel seen and valued. She is a powerful role model for kids and helps break down the barriers that compulsory heterosexuality creates. Thank you, Velma, for being an unapologetic icon.

Watch ‘Trick or Treat Scooby-Doo!’ on Prime Video now.

ADHD Awareness Month: What I’ve learned so far

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Unruly Folk
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adhd text
Photo by Tara Winstead on Pexels.com

ADHD Awareness Month is a great time to learn more about ADHD and how it affects adults.

There are many myths about ADHD, so let’s take the time to learn the facts this month. ADHD is a real, diagnosable neurological condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s not just “a phase” or something that kids outgrow. And it’s not just about being hyperactive or having trouble paying attention. ADHD can affect every area of our lives, from work and school to relationships and our mental health.

So, before we get into it, I have ADHD and was diagnosed at 14 years old (now 30), and here’s an overview of what I’ve learned so far.

The three types of ADHD:

1. ADHD, predominantly inattentive type:

This type is characterised by difficulty sustaining attention, easy distractibility, and problems with organisation. Adults with this type of ADHD may have trouble finishing tasks, following through on commitments, or keeping track of their belongings. They may also be easily sidetracked or forgetful.

2. ADHD, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive type: 

This type is characterised by excessive activity levels and problems with impulsivity. Adults with this type of ADHD may be constantly on the go, have trouble sitting still for long periods, or be impulsive in their actions and words. They may also have difficulty waiting their turn, interrupting others, or controlling their emotions.

3. ADHD, combined type: 

This type is characterised by symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. Adults with this type of ADHD may have trouble sustaining attention, be easily distracted, and have problems with organisation. They may also be constantly on the go, have difficulty sitting still, or be impulsive in their actions and words.

Adults with ADHD often have trouble keeping up with work demands. Because of this, we may be seen as disorganised, forgetful, or, the worst, “lazy”. ADHD can also lead to problems with time management, as we process time differently. As a result, we may have trouble prioritising tasks or completing projects before deadlines. School can be incredibly challenging for adults with ADHD, as we may have difficulty focusing on long lectures and taking notes. ADHD can also lead to problems with test-taking, as we may have trouble recalling on the spot, processing information quickly, or retaining information for long periods. 

Our brains don’t allow us to thrive in these circumstances, but that doesn’t mean we’re not good enough. On the contrary, it’s our society that is failing us. But, like flowers, with the right conditions, we bloom beautifully. 

How ADHD Can Affect Relationships:

We often have difficulty maintaining close relationships due to impulsivity, disorganisation, and forgetfulness. We may blurt out things without thinking, interrupt others out of fear of forgetting what we want to say or be unable to keep promises despite our best intentions. 

I’d say that much of this stems from struggling with object permanence and perception of time. Logically, I know things are there when I can’t see them, but that doesn’t prevent them from slipping to the back of my mind without constant visual stimuli. 

No, it’s not because I don’t care. I might spend weeks or months trying to pick out the perfect gift for someone, only to completely forget to order it or give it to them on time. It feels like you can see an object hurtling towards you in the distance, but you don’t realise how close it is until it hits you in the face. 

Boom. Too late. Damn it. 

Object Permanence: 

Object permanence is the ability to understand that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight. For adults with ADHD, object permanence can be a challenge. We may have trouble keeping track of our belongings or misplace things often. For example, I must have my medication at eye level when I wake up. The same goes for skincare, vitamins, and that sort of thing. To others, having everything out is horribly messy, and I’d agree, but it’s genuinely an accessibility need for me. The second it’s put away, it’s game over. I’ll forget it exists for a month until I accidentally stumble upon it again. 

How ADHD Can Affect Mental Health:

Adults with ADHD often experience higher rates of anxiety and depression due to the challenges associated with the condition.

The Link Between ADHD and Low Dopamine: 

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays an essential role in ADHD. Low dopamine levels are associated with low or bad moods, depression, anxiety, lack of motivation, tiredness, low sex drive, short-term memory problems, disturbed sleep, and restlessness. 

ADHD medications increase dopamine levels in the brain, which can reduce symptoms. 

Dopamine Seeking Behaviours: 

Adults with ADHD often seek out activities that increase dopamine levels. Unfortunately, this can lead to “quick fix” instant gratification behaviours such as gambling, excessive or impulsive spending, substance abuse or eating disorders.

The constant pursuit of something that can keep us engaged and make us feel good can take over our lives and make us vulnerable to addiction. I’ve struggled with a binge eating disorder for most of my life, and impulsive spending is always alluring. I can manage much more effectively while on medication, but it never completely disappears.

ADHD and Depression 

Depression is common in adults with ADHD, as the challenges of the condition can lead to feelings of frustration, failure, and low self-esteem. And that’s on top of the previously mentioned naturally lower dopamine levels. ADHD can also cause problems with energy levels, sleep, and concentration, which can worsen symptoms of depression.

What Is Executive Dysfunction?: 

Executive dysfunction is a common symptom of ADHD that can affect every aspect of our lives. Executive dysfunction refers to problems with executive functioning, which are the cognitive skills that help us plan, organise, and complete tasks. Due to executive dysfunction, people with ADHD often have trouble with time management, task prioritisation, and goal-setting. 

Ever Heard of Rejection-Sensitive Dysphoria?

Rejection-sensitive dysphoria is a common symptom of ADHD that can make us hypersensitive to rejection or criticism. We may experience physical pain, intense shame, inadequacy, and worthlessness in response to perceived or actual criticism. RSD can lead to social anxiety, avoidance, depression, and other mental health problems.

Things to remember when you have rejection-sensitive dysphoria: 

-RSD is a common symptom of ADHD, and it is not your fault.
-You are not alone in feeling this way.
-Your intrusive thoughts are not reality.
-People don’t secretly hate you.
-No one is scrutinising your every move.
-You are not a burden to others.
-You are worthy of love and belonging.
-There are ways to manage RSD, such as therapy, medication, and self-care.
-RSD does not have to define you or your life.

What Are Some ADHD Treatments?:

There is no one-size-fits-all ADHD treatment, as every individual experiences the condition differently. However, there are many effective treatments available that can help manage ADHD symptoms. Some common ADHD treatments include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes, and it’s worth trialling a series of combinations to find out what works for you. 

Since starting medication, I have been able to implement all of the above more reliably, and there is a marked improvement in my ability to manage my symptoms. 

Apps That Can Help: 

There are many apps available that can help adults with ADHD to manage their symptoms. Some of my favourites include:

–Tiimo: A visual ADHD management app that helps with time management, goal setting, and task prioritisation. I used this a lot before I got Finch.

–Finch: Finch is an adorable virtual pet that grows when you complete your chosen tasks. It’s a lot like Tiimo in that you can plug in your self-care and daily goals, but it’s far more engaging and has more features. There’s space to get reflective, breathing exercises, quizzes, and acts of kindness. In addition, you get a frickin’ cute little buddy that you get to name, dress and look after, which is a great motivator.

ADHD can feel like living life in hard mode. We learn differently and thrive in conditions that aren’t the norm, and it can be tough to find that space, but it does exist. It’s out there. We can hyper-focus on our interests and offer a unique perspective. Many of us with ADHD are creative, outgoing, enthusiastic, and determined. We need to find the right tools and strategies to help us harness our ADHD powers. Then, with the proper support, we’re unstoppable. 

If you or someone you know has ADHD, know you’re not alone. Help is available to manage your symptoms and live your best life, so please don’t hesitate to reach out for support.

ADHD Communities

Reddit: ADHD Subreddit
Twitter: #ADHDTwitter
ADHD UK has a comprehensive list of resources available here: https://adhduk.co.uk/adhd-useful-resources/

Horizon Zero Dawn PS5 and PC remaster

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Unruly Folk
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According to sources at MP1ST, 2017’s Horizon Zero Dawn will join Sony’s world of remakes, with a remastered version of the game in the pipeline for PS5 and PC.

Whether it will be a remaster or a “ground-up” rebuild (we expect the latter) is unclear. However, we can expect accessibility features, improvements in graphics mode, and enhancements in the quality of life of general gameplay.

The news aligns with Sony’s recent announcement of an upcoming Horizon adaptation on Netflix, which has the potential to reignite interest in the game, drawing in new fans and followers to the franchise.

The remaster may be ideal for newcomers to discover the enchanting world of Horizon, but it’s a bit of a letdown for existing owners. With only five years since its original release, it will be hard to justify the price point.

If that didn’t tickle your fancy, never fear! There is promising news if you want something to get excited about in the series outside the upcoming VR game and DLC.

Guerilla Games is not only reworking the Horizon game for PS5 and PC but is reportedly working hard on a multiplayer version. In 2020, Guerilla posted a job listing seeking a game programmer with multiplayer experience to help develop an “epic open-world game.”

The release dates for both projects are a mystery, but we’ll keep you updated as we learn more!

It’s showtime: Beetlejuice makeup collection

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Unruly Folk
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Revolution Beauty’s new Beetlejuice-inspired makeup collection has everything you need to create a strange and unusual look for Halloween. The range includes palettes, eye products, accessories, and packaging that pays homage to the Tim Burton film.

Plus, there’s no recently deceased to worry about, as it’s all vegan!

Enter the land of the undead with Beetlejuice x Revolution, a new beauty collection featuring 18 products ranging from £4 to £15/$5 to $15. With this collection, you can let your creativity run wild and create weird and wonderful looks.

The Beetle House and Strange and Unusual eyeshadow palettes each contain 9 shades, while the larger It’s Showtime palette contains 16.

The Recently Deceased palette, containing three sparkling shades, is also available in the collection. You can use it with Beetlejuice x Revolution brushes for a perfect match.

These palettes are perfect for anyone who wants to go all out with their look this Halloween! Featuring a mix of both neutral and smokey shades, as well as matte and shimmer finishes, this versatile collection has everything you need to create endless Halloween party looks! From lime green to deep plums, there’s a shade for everyone! So whether you’re looking to create a ghoulishly glam look or a deadly cute makeup look, they’ve got you covered!

The shades are named after iconic moments and characters from the film so that you can choose your favourite: “Lydia”, “Dark Room”, “Make My Millennium”, or “Say My Name.”

Some terrific accessories include a Beetlejuice-branded mirror in striking black and green stripes, false nails, a neon green sponge, and a striped cosmetics bag.

Finally, we have two lipsticks to complete the range. You can go for Lydia’s bright red or Beetlejuice’s pink nude with a luxurious velvet satin finish. Slay.

The Beetlejuice x Revolution Beauty collection is now available online and in stores. Will you be picking up any pieces from the collection? Let us know in the comments below!

Shop the new collection at revolutionbeauty.com/uk and revolutionbeauty.us today!

The cast of Avatar: The Last Airbender

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Unruly Folk
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Avatar: The Last Airbender Cast

The upcoming live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender is getting some big names added to the already talented cast. Arden Cho, George Takei, Momona Tamada and more have joined the ranks of the highly anticipated show.

Showrunner Albert Kim said the adaptation would be “a chance to showcase Asian and Indigenous characters as living, breathing people. Not just in a cartoon, but in a world that truly exists, very similar to the one we live in.”

The previously announced cast members include Gordon Cormier (Aang), Kiawentiio (Katara), Ian Ousley (Sokka), Dallas Liu (Zuko), Elizabeth Yu (Azula), Paul Sun-Hyung Lee (Iroh), Daniel Dae Kim (Fire Lord Ozai), Maria Zhang (Suki), Tamlyn Tomita (Yukari), Yvonne Chapman (Avatar Kyoshi) and Casey Camp-Horinek (Gran Gran). With a surge of new actors, you can get to know them and their characters better below.

Water Tribe

Amber Midthunder (she/her; Prey, Roswell) as Princess Yue:
The compassionate spiritual leader of the Northern Water Tribe.

A Martinez (he/him; Cowboy Bebop, Ambulance) as Pakku: 
The veteran waterbending master of the Northern Water Tribe and a fierce defender of their traditions.

Irene Bedard (she/her; Pocahontas, The Stand) as Yagoda: 
An empathetic healer who serves as a role model for her tribe’s female waterbenders. 

Joel Oulette (he/him; Trickster, Ruby and the Well) as Hahn: 
A strong and skilled warrior with unwavering loyalty to his tribe. 

Nathaniel Arcand (he/him; Heartland, FBI: Most Wanted) as Chief Arnook: 
Father to Princess Yue and the respected leader of their tribe.

Meegwun Fairbrother (he/him; Burden of Truth, Mohawk Girls) as Avatar Kuruk: 
A previous Avatar with a haunted past. 

Earth Kingdom

Arden Cho (she/her) as June: 
A tough and persistent bounty hunter known for her ruthless efficiency. 

Utkarsh Ambudkar (he/him; Ghosts, World’s Best) as King Bumi: 
The ancient and mercurial ruler of the Earth Kingdom city of Omashu.

Danny Pudi (he/him; Mythic Quest, Corner Office) as the Mechanist: 
An eccentric inventor and engineer doing his best to raise his son in a war-torn world. 

Lucian-River Chauhan (he/him, Encounter, Heartland) as Teo: 
The idealistic and high-flying son of the Mechanist.

James Sie (he/him; Stillwater) as the Cabbage Merchant: 
A long-suffering vegetable vendor in Omashu. 

Fire Nation

Momona Tamada (she/her; Secret Headquarters, One: Thunder God’s Tale) as Ty Lee: 
An energetic and upbeat teen and one of Princess Azula’s best friends. 

Thalia Tran (she/her; Raya and the Last Dragon, Little) as Mai: 
An unflappable and deadpan teen who, along with Ty Lee, is one of Princess Azula’s closest allies.

Ruy Iskandar (he/him; Yes Day, Benders) as Lt. Jee: 
The first officer of Prince Zuko’s ship. 

Hiro Kanagawa (he/him; Altered Carbon, The Man in the High Castle) as Fire Lord Sozin: 
The ruthless and ambitious previous ruler of the Fire Nation and grandfather of Fire Lord Ozai.

C.S. Lee (he/him; Dexter, Warrior) as Avatar Roku: 
A wise and benevolent past Avatar from the Fire Nation.  

François Chau (he/him; The Expanse, American Gigolo) as The Great Sage: 
The venerated spiritual leader of the Fire Nation and guardian of Avatar Roku’s shrine. 

Ryan Mah (he/him; The Good Doctor, Snowpiercer) as Lt. Dang: 
Commander Zhao’s second-in-command. 

Spirit World

George Takei (he/him; Star Trek, Resident Alien) as the voice of Koh: 
An ancient, predatory spirit.

Randall Duk Kim (he/him; Kung Fu Panda, John Wick) as the voice of Wan Shi Tong: 
Appears in the form of a giant owl and is also known as the Spirit of Knowledge. 

The live-action adaptation of the animated Nickelodeon series Avatar: The Last Airbender is brought to you by showrunner Albert Kim, Rideback’s Dan Lin and Lindsey Liberatore, and Michael Goi. Additionally, this project is helmed by directors Goi, co-executive producer Roseanne Liang, Jabbar Raisani, and Jet Wilkinson.

The cast of Avatar: The Last Airbender is shaping up to be one of the most diverse ensembles on television. This adaptation is a must-see event with an all-star team behind the scenes and in front of the camera. Will you be watching?

James Earl Jones to retire as Darth Vader

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Unruly Folk
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James Earl Jones

For Star Wars fans around the world, the voice of Darth Vader is unmistakable and irreplaceable. James Earl Jones first voiced Vader in the original 1977 Star Wars movie, and his deep, menacing tones have become one of the most recognisable aspects of the character. So understandably, after over 40 years, Jones is retiring from the role – but his voice will live on thanks to artificial intelligence (AI).

Star Wars sound supervising editor Matthew Wood told Vanity Fair the 91-year-old actor “was looking into winding down this particular character”.

However, Jones has licensed the use of his voice for future productions. This means that even though he won’t be performing as Vader anymore, his voice will still be used to bring the character to life in new Star Wars projects.

Artificial intelligence will recreate synthetic speech for future Disney and Lucasfilm projects to imitate Jones’ iconic voice from earlier films.

Respeecher, a Ukrainian-based voice cloning firm, will use artificial intelligence to create new conversations from rejuvenated old voice recordings.

Over the years, many different actors have taken on the role of the villain. However, Jones’s deep and now distinctive voice has been a constant tie through the series, giving life to the character through generations.

Disney’s decision to use AI to preserve Vader’s voice will likely stoke disagreements over how such technology should be used in creative fields.

What do you think? Let us know!

NASA’s DART mission is on target

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Unruly Folk
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NASA made headlines today when it smashed a spacecraft into an asteroid seven million miles from Earth. The crash was no accident–NASA did this on purpose, as part of a trial run for planetary defence.

The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) is the first-ever trial of a “planetary defence system.” If humans can change an asteroid’s orbit by sending an object into space, humanity may have a chance to protect itself from the kind of disaster that rid the Earth of dinosaurs.

The Need for Planetary Defence

The idea of planetary defence might conjure up images of Hollywood blockbusters like Armageddon, Deep Impact or, more recently, Don’t Look Up. Still, the reality is that the risk of a devastating asteroid impact is genuine. Some scientists estimate a one in 20,000 chance of a disastrous global impact in any given year. Thankfully, we have never experienced an effect of this magnitude in modern times, but the threat is real.

Fortunately, we now have the technology to do something about it. The DART mission tests whether we can change an incoming asteroid’s orbit by impacting it with a spacecraft. If successful, scientists could use it to deflect an asteroid on a collision course with Earth.

“Asteroid moonlet Dimorphos as seen by the DART spacecraft 11 seconds before impact. DART’s onboard DRACO imager captured this image from 42 miles (68 kilometres). This image was the last to contain all of Dimorphos in the field of view. Dimorphos is roughly 525 feet (160 meters) in length. Dimorphos’ north is toward the top of the image.
Credits: NASA/Johns Hopkins APL”

The DART Trial Run

The DART mission was carried out using a “vending machine-sized” spacecraft collider. The last image from the collider showed the surface of the asteroid Dimorphos seconds before impact. Early indications are that the blast successfully changed Dimorphos’ orbit as intended. While confirming these results will take some time, they are promising.

The NASA team and their international collaborators meticulously chose their target. The success of the collision depended on being able to monitor the asteroid post-crash carefully. They also needed to ensure that any impact wouldn’t send pieces of rock hurtling towards Earth.

Dimorphos is already orbiting its larger partner, making it the perfect candidate to study the behavioural changes that follow a collision.

Betsy Congdon, DART’s mechanical systems engineer at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, says, “What Dart is going up there to prove is that we actually do have a system for kinetic deflection, nudging these away and nudging them off course,”.

Although the spacecraft hit Dimorphos at nearly 15,000 miles an hour, scientists expect its effect on the asteroid to be small – checking its speed by only 0.4mm per second. However, given enough time, this should have a perceivable influence on its orbit. A combination of telescopes based on land and space – NASA and ESA’s new James Webb Space Telescope included – will study the asteroid to gauge the test results.

According to scientists, a slight push could be enough to deflect an oncoming asteroid on a collision course with Earth off-target.

“An asteroid impact is the one kind of natural disaster that we could potentially see coming decades away,” says Prof Colin Snodgrass, a member of the DART team.

This is just the beginning of NASA’s planetary defence efforts. The DART mission is an exciting start, reassuring that we now have the technology to defend ourselves from potentially devastating impacts. With any luck, we will never need to use it.

Jurassic World Dominion joins billion-dollar club

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Unruly Folk
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In celebration of Jurassic World: Dominion passing the $1 billion mark at the global box office, Bryce Dallas Howard posted a new behind-the-scenes photo to Twitter expressing her gratitude to franchise fans.

In the photo, Howard offers a cheeky kiss to an animatronic dilophosaurus. She captioned the image with a heartfelt message thanking fans for supporting the movie.

She wrote, “A billion kisses to everyone who watched and supported! As someone who, like so many others, poured my heart and soul into making these movies, it means the world how you all showed up.”

Howard continued, “I’ve been texting with the cast and director, all of us cheering that the film reached this incredible milestone in theatres. It’s no small feat.”

The Jurassic Park franchise is one of the most successful movie franchises of all time, and Jurassic World: Dominion is the fourth instalment to pass the $1 billion mark at the box office.

Jurassic World: Dominion is now streaming on Peacock.

Super Mario Bros. trailer debut at NYC Comic-Con

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Unruly Folk
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Super Mario Bros Teaser Trailer

It’s official, folks! The first trailer for the upcoming untitled Super Mario Bros. movie will premiere at New York Comic-Con on October 6th at 4 pm ET.

First announced in 2018, the film is being produced by Nintendo and Illumination.

Starring Chris Pratt as Mario, Charlie Day as Luigi, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach and Jack Black Bowser, the film initially aimed for a December 2022 release but has since been delayed until April 7th 2023.

We’ll keep you updated on any new information about the Super Mario Bros. movie as we find it. Are you excited? Let us know!

Queer As Folk cancelled after one season

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Unruly Folk
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Queer as Folk

Just one season in, the show Queer As Folk – which was a reboot of the groundbreaking original British series of the same name – has been cancelled by Peacock.

Although there was much anticipation for the franchise to be reborn and a massive plot twist in the season one finale, Queer As Folk will not be returning for a second season.

The show’s creator, Stephen Dunn, was disappointed with the news. He remarked that it was a “rare gift” to create a program that is so “fearless and unapologetic.”

Jaclyn Moore, another executive producer on the show, said, “Love this and the show we all made”, and icon Kim Catrall added: “I am so lucky & proud to be asked to join you, Stephen. A joy to be part of our #QueerAsFolk family. XO”

The news of the cancellation was a blow to fans of the show, who had taken to social media to share their love for it.

It’s a shame but not a surprise that Queer As Folk has joined the massive pile of LGBTQ+ stories that networks have axed this year. Here’s hoping another show can fill the void it left behind and give us the representation we desperately crave.

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