CineFold

Jamie Lee Curtis has never been one to hold back her opinions, and she recently proved that once again during a lively panel at South by Southwest. Speaking on Saturday, March 14, at the JW Marriott Austin, Curtis openly shared her thoughts about one of her past projects, describing it in very blunt terms as something she did not enjoy working on at all. Reflecting on the experience, she admitted that filming what she jokingly referred to as “Fish Called Wanda Two” felt unpleasant, and she recalled how the atmosphere on set was far from inspiring. According to Curtis, the cast largely participated in the project for financial reasons rather than creative passion, a rare and candid confession from a star of her stature.

The film she was referring to is Fierce Creatures, which brought together the core cast of the beloved 1988 hit A Fish Called Wanda. Although the earlier film was widely praised for its clever humor and energetic storytelling, its follow-up took a different direction. While it reunited Curtis with co-stars John Cleese, Kevin Kline, and Michael Palin, the 1997 film featured entirely new characters and a storyline centered around a struggling London zoo purchased by a wealthy businessman. Curtis portrayed Willa Weston, a determined figure brought in to manage the situation, adding her signature presence to the ensemble.

Despite the strong cast and high expectations, the film struggled to capture the same charm that made its predecessor such a standout success. Early test screenings revealed that audiences were not fully satisfied with the original ending, prompting the filmmakers to revise and rework key elements before release. Even with those adjustments, the response remained mixed, and it never quite achieved the widespread admiration that the original comedy enjoyed. Notably, respected critic Roger Ebert pointed out that the sequel lacked the sharp pacing and unpredictable humor that had made the earlier film so memorable, giving it a moderate rating.

Curtis, now 67, appeared at the festival not only to reflect on her past but also to look ahead. She was there to promote her latest project, Sender, a psychological thriller in which she takes on both acting and producing roles. Her continued passion for storytelling and willingness to explore new creative avenues highlight her enduring presence in the film industry. Even as she revisits earlier chapters of her career with honesty and humor, Curtis remains focused on evolving and embracing new opportunities, proving that her journey in entertainment is far from over.

Farrah Franklin is speaking out about Terrence Howard's recent claims regarding his connections to Destiny's Child. The 57-year-old Hustle & Flow star revealed that he had the opportunity to date Beyoncé but ultimately spent time with another group member instead.

“You know, I had a chance to date Beyoncé early on,” Howard said on the PBD Podcast earlier this month. “We had a conversation, and I ended up talking to the other girl inside of Destiny’s Child. The girl with the blue eyes.”

Franklin, who briefly joined the iconic girl group, responded to Howard’s comments in an interview with PEOPLE. “I’m Farrah with the natural green eyes (not blue, lol), and I can confirm that Terrence and I had a few friendly outings—nothing romantic.”

She added, “We went to the studio a few times, and I will say that Terrence is super talented! I won’t speculate on anything else that was said, and as always, I wish everyone well and remain focused on my own journey.”

Howard did not name Franklin during his podcast, but he did mention Beyoncé and her former group members after host Patrick Bet-David brought up Hollywood power couples like Beyoncé, 44, and her husband Jay-Z.

Destiny’s Child originally featured Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, LeToya Luckett, and LaTavia Roberson. Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin joined the group following Luckett and Roberson's departure. Not long after, Franklin also left, while Beyoncé, Rowland, and Williams continued performing together.

During the podcast, Howard shared a memorable moment from the 2005 BET Awards. He recalled that when the group invited three famous men from the audience onstage, he felt Beyoncé’s performance was directed at him as a playful reminder of what he had missed.

“I remember Beyoncé looking over at me, and I think that’s why she picked me to do that dance, when she did that kind of playful performance at BET, to show me what I had lost,” Howard explained. Rowland was paired with Nelly, and Williams performed alongside Magic Johnson during a live rendition of “Cater 2 U.”

Howard emphasized that these events occurred “very, very long ago.” Since then, Beyoncé and Jay-Z married in 2008 and are parents to three children: daughter Blue Ivy, 14, and twins Rumi and Sir, 8. Meanwhile, Howard has been married four times and is a father to five children.

Franklin, meanwhile, is focused on her creative projects. “I’ve been working on new music and film projects, and it’s definitely next level. I’m looking forward to sharing it with the world,” she shared with PEOPLE.

Joel Madden is sharing a heartfelt and deeply personal perspective on his longtime relationship with Nicole Richie, revealing that, in his eyes, she has remained beautifully consistent over the years, no matter how the public may have perceived her. Nearly two decades after they first met, he still sees the same strength, character, and authenticity that drew him to her from the very beginning.

Speaking during an appearance on Dumb Blonde podcast, Madden described their relationship as “sacred ground,” emphasizing how deeply he values what they share. He acknowledged that the world often creates narratives about people, especially those in the spotlight, but he has always trusted his own understanding of Richie. From the moment they met, he saw someone resilient, self-assured, and grounded in integrity. In his words, she has always been the person she is today, regardless of how others may have chosen to define her story.

Madden reflected on how public perception can sometimes overshadow the truth of who someone really is. He noted that there is a quiet elegance in rising above labels and expectations, and he believes Richie embodies that grace. While she may have made some youthful mistakes, he made it clear that those moments never defined her. Instead, he sees a woman with self-respect, depth, and a strong sense of identity, qualities that have only grown more evident over time.

Richie first gained widespread attention through the reality show The Simple Life, where she was often portrayed in a certain light during her younger years. However, Madden’s perspective offers a more intimate and nuanced view, one shaped not by headlines but by real connection. The couple married in 2010 and have since built a close-knit family, raising their daughter Harlow and son Sparrow together. Their journey reflects not just a romantic partnership, but a shared commitment to growth, understanding, and mutual respect.

Looking back on when they first met in 2006, Madden expressed that he instantly recognized something special. He shared that he never felt like he had to change or “rescue” her. Instead, their connection felt natural and effortless, aligning with a dream he had always carried of building a loving family. Over time, that dream became reality as they created a life centered on their children and the values they hold dear.

Today, both Madden and Richie are more mindful about what they share publicly. Having experienced intense attention in their earlier years, they are determined to give their children a more grounded and protected upbringing. Madden explained that being a parent brings a new sense of responsibility. It is not just about guiding children through life, but also about shielding them from unnecessary attention while teaching them how the world works.

He spoke with admiration and warmth when describing his wife, calling her smart, beautiful, and full of class. There is a clear sense of gratitude in the way he talks about her, as if he still feels the same excitement and appreciation he did when they first met. For him, their relationship is not just about the past they share, but about the steady, enduring bond they continue to nurture every day.

Richie herself once reflected on their first meeting during an episode of Call Her Daddy podcast, recalling how unexpected their connection seemed at the time. She described Madden as shy and remembered that he barely spoke to her that first night. Yet, even in that quiet moment, she had a strong feeling about their future together, a feeling that, years later, proved to be remarkably accurate.

Their story stands as a reminder that real connection often exists beyond public perception. It is built on understanding, respect, and the ability to see someone for who they truly are, rather than who the world assumes them to be.