Star 2026-01-05

The new year is shaping up to be a historic year for cinema, marked by the return of massive franchises, legendary directors like Steven Spielberg and Christopher Nolan and a resurgence of original science fiction. Here are the most anticipated blockbusters of 2026: 1. Avengers: Doomsday Release date: May 1. Following the multiversal chaos of previous phases, the Avengers face their most formidable threat yet: Victor von Doom. As the multiverse begins to collapse, heroes from across different realities, including the Fantastic Four and the X-Men, must unite to stop Doom from reshaping existence in his own image. The film serves as the penultimate chapter of the Multiverse Saga, leading directly into Avengers: Secret Wars. This film marks the monumental return of Robert Downey Jr. to the MCU, but in…

When Teyana Taylor and Aaron Pierre first went public with their relationship in early 2025, fans were excited to see something new and refreshing. Taylor, the multi-talented artist and actress renowned for her bold creativity and unapologetic authenticity, was stepping into a new chapter after a highly publicised and messy divorce from NBA player Iman Shumpert. Meanwhile, Pierre, the rising British star who’s quickly carving out his place in Hollywood with roles in blockbuster projects like Mufasa: The Lion King and the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter, was on the brink of becoming a household name. Their union felt like a natural meeting of two dynamic forces, an unexpected pairing that people were excited to root for. The couple’s romance began quietly but quickly became a focal point for fans. In…

​Beyoncé has officially become a billionaire, according to a recent report from Forbes. She achieved this milestone in December 2025, becoming the fifth musician to reach a ten-figure fortune. This achievement is a testament not only to her music but to the empire she has built over decades, driven largely by her iconic shows, smart business moves and consistent cultural influence. I was only 12-years-old when Destiny’s Child released their final studio album, which served as a farewell project after their hiatus for solo careers. The album, Destiny Fulfilled, featured hits like Lose My Breath and Soldier. It is hard to imagine now, but the album was considered uncertain at the time, given the solo successes of Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. After their second album as a trio,…

Idris Elba has officially been knighted by King Charles III in the 2026 New Year Honours list. That's right, you can now address him as Sir Idris Elba! While we all adore him for his mesmerising performances as Stringer Bell in The Wire, the gritty detective John Luther, or even his turn as Heimdall in the Marvel Universe, this knighthood isn't just about his acting roles. Sir Idris was specifically honoured for his outstanding services to young people. For years, Elba, alongside his wife Sabrina, has been a vocal advocate against knife crime and a champion for youth empowerment. Their Elba Hope Foundation has been doing incredible work, providing opportunities and a beacon of hope for young individuals. Now, he's being recognised by the very institution that once offered him…

South Africa has confirmed that all its citizens in Venezuela are safe amid heightened tensions following recent United States military action in the country. Clayson Monyela, South Africa’s Head of Public Diplomacy, said the South African Embassy in Caracas remains in direct contact with South African nationals on the ground. “The South African Embassy in Caracas (staff is safe) is in touch with all SA nationals in that country (mostly teachers) ... about 23. All accounted for and safe,” Monyela said. He added that authorities would continue to closely track developments as a precaution. “We’ll continue to monitor the situation which is currently reported as calm,” he said. The confirmation comes after the United States carried out a military operation in Venezuela, escalating tensions in a country already grappling with…

A Venezuela-style operation on the continent is unlikely, but South Africa is still concerned about United States international behaviour. However, a caution is raised regarding Africa’s historical susceptibility to Washington-backed regime-change tactics. “I don’t foresee that the US can execute a Venezuelan military style against South Africa,” according to political analyst and international relations expert Dr Gideon Chitanga. In a risky operation that has infuriated people worldwide, US military forces apprehended President Nicolás Maduro and his wife over the weekend and transported them to the US to face criminal charges. Gideon cited Libya as a warning example and stated that the US has frequently used non-military means to weaken governments it does not support, such as economic pressure, political discrediting, and destabilisation. South Africa’s democratic legitimacy, he said, remains its…