The highly anticipated second season of *Karen Pirie* is set to captivate audiences once again, with star Emer Kenny revealing her unique challenges while balancing her roles as a writer, executive producer, and actress. The show, which airs on ITV, continues to explore gripping storylines, and Kenny’s life off-screen has been just as demanding.

Kenny plays River, a close friend of the titular character Karen Pirie, portrayed by Lauren Lyle. In an interview, she shared insights into how she managed her professional commitments while navigating the early days of motherhood. “Filming was hectic,” Kenny said. “My baby was 12 weeks old when I started writing the season and he was 18 months old when we were shooting. He came to Glasgow with me for three months.”

With her husband, Rick Edwards, working in Germany as a presenter during the UEFA Euro 2024, Kenny relied heavily on her mother for support. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my mum,” she stressed, showcasing the importance of a solid support system in managing both family and career.

Kenny also found joy during the filming process, thanks in part to the presence of pop icon Kylie Minogue. The star shared, “Kylie has her own brand of rosé that we drank the whole way through. It was absolutely crazy, but I never feel more alive than when we’re making stuff. It just feels thrilling.”

Returning to Familiar Challenges and New Adventures

The new season, based on *A Darker Domain*, delves into a haunting case that has lingered in the public consciousness since 1984: the disappearance of heiress Catriona Grant and her toddler son, Adam. Kenny hinted at the intensity of the plot, stating, “She’s kidnapped at gunpoint, and then a ransom note arrives at her family home with a Polaroid of her, and she is never seen again.” The discovery of a body in a remote quarry complicates the case further, revealing no connection to Catriona but presenting new mysteries to unravel.

As the narrative unfolds, viewers will also witness hidden romances, including Catriona’s affair with Mick, played by Mark Rowley. “Julia (Brown) and Mark were amazing together,” Kenny noted, emphasizing the chemistry that drives their storyline. Meanwhile, Lyle’s character Karen faces her own romantic challenges with DS Phil Parhatka, portrayed by Zach Wyatt. “Karen’s under the impression a woman can only have one of the other – a career or a home life,” Lyle explained, highlighting the character’s internal struggles.

Despite these challenges, Lyle’s portrayal of Karen is marked by determination. She acknowledged the skepticism her character faces, particularly after receiving a reluctant promotion. “You’re difficult, but you’re great, so you deserve it,” her boss tells her, encapsulating the hurdles Karen must overcome in a male-dominated environment.

Filming in Diverse Locations and Future Prospects

The production faced logistical challenges this season, including a move to Malta for filming. “We had to move the shoot to September because it was too hot in Malta to shoot,” Kenny recalled. The cast engaged in numerous running scenes through the streets, navigating the high temperatures. Yet, the experience proved exhilarating for them, providing a unique backdrop for the unfolding drama.

With eight novels worth of content to adapt, Kenny expressed optimism about the show’s future. “There is potential for another season and ITV are really supportive,” she said. “It just depends on whether the audience wants more.”

For now, *Karen Pirie* remains a compelling entry in the crime drama genre, with its mix of intense storytelling and complex characters. As the new season unfolds, viewers can expect even more twists and turns that keep them engaged and invested in the lives of these characters.

A reboot of the 1992 erotic thriller Basic Instinct is gaining momentum, with Australian actress Margot Robbie emerging as a leading contender for the role of Catherine Tramell, originally portrayed by Sharon Stone. The announcement comes following Amazon MGM Studios’ acquisition of the film rights, sparking excitement among fans and the film industry alike.

As reported on July 19, 2025, by The Wrap, the project aims to capture the essence of the original while offering a contemporary twist. The film is expected to retain the provocative nature that characterized the original, which was notorious for its explicit content and gripping narrative. Fans have taken to social media to express their enthusiasm, with one commenter on X exclaiming, “OMG Margot Robbie would be perfect for this!” Another echoed the sentiment, stating, “Remake it with Margot Robbie.”

Bookmakers appear to agree, with William Hill listing Robbie at odds of 3/1 to take on the iconic role, trailing only Florence Pugh, who holds 2/1 odds. Other actresses considered for the role include Sydney Sweeney at 5/1, Anya Taylor-Joy at 6/1, Ana de Armas at 8/1, and Jodie Comer at 10/1. Pop star Lady Gaga is currently seen as a long shot at 12/1.

The original Basic Instinct was a massive success, grossing over $350 million globally. It featured Michael Douglas as Detective Nick Curran, who becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of seduction with novelist Tramell, a prime suspect in a murder case. The film’s most memorable scene, an interrogation featuring Stone, became iconic and solidified her status as a Hollywood star.

Screenwriter Joe Eszterhas, who penned the original film, is returning to write the reboot. Reportedly, he has signed a $4 million deal for the project. In a statement, Eszterhas addressed concerns about his ability to write an erotic thriller at the age of 80, asserting that his creativity remains intact. He remarked, “The rumors of my cinematic impotence are exaggerated and ageist,” emphasizing his enthusiasm for the project.

The reboot follows a less successful sequel released in 2006, which featured Stone reprising her role but only managed to gross $38.6 million, significantly less than its production budget of $70 million.

Interestingly, Stone herself endorsed Robbie for a future adaptation of her life in a 2023 interview on The Lady Gang Podcast. She expressed her admiration for Robbie, stating, “I adore Margot Robbie so probably her. She is so talented. After I saw her playing Tonya Harding, I was like, you’re it.”

As the casting process continues, anticipation builds for the film that promises to blend nostalgia with fresh storytelling, aiming to captivate both new audiences and fans of the original thriller. The revival of such a culturally significant film could mark a significant moment in contemporary cinema.

Fans of the long-running soap opera Coronation Street are expressing their discontent over what they describe as “inappropriate” and “too violent” scenes in recent episodes. The outrage follows a shocking storyline featuring the character Mick Michaelis, portrayed by Joe Layton, who was written out of the show this week in a brutal plot twist.

In the latest episodes, Mick escapes from prison with a vendetta against police officer Kit Green, his former best friend. The narrative escalates as Mick violently attacks Kit, leaving him in critical condition in hospital. The intensity of the scenes, which include graphic depictions of violence, has prompted many viewers to consider filing complaints with Ofcom, the UK communications regulator responsible for overseeing broadcasting standards.

Viewers took to social media to voice their concerns. One fan remarked, “Those scenes with Mick are just not appropriate for a soap, in my opinion. It was sickening to watch him grab a tool and violently beat someone.” Another viewer noted that the show has become “more violent and full of misery than most crime thrillers,” indicating a shift in tone that some find troubling.

The graphic nature of the content has drawn particular attention. One viewer criticized a scene featuring blood dripping through a metal grate, likening it to something from a slasher movie. Such reactions reflect a growing sentiment among fans who feel the show is straying from its traditional roots.

The storyline has culminated in the departure of actor Joe Layton, marking the end of his character’s tumultuous arc. As the public debate continues, it remains to be seen how ITV will respond to the mounting criticisms. Viewers are left questioning the future direction of Coronation Street and whether the show will temper its approach to violence in light of audience feedback.

With a loyal fanbase that spans generations, the soap opera has historically tackled serious issues, but the recent escalation in violence has sparked a discussion about the balance between dramatic storytelling and viewer sensitivity. As the complaints to Ofcom increase, it is clear that the showrunners may need to reassess their narrative choices moving forward.

The latest installment of the slasher horror franchise, *I Know What You Did Last Summer*, debuted in cinemas on March 15, 2024. This new film serves as a sequel to the original 1998 movie, *I Still Know What You Did Last Summer*, and features a compelling soundtrack that includes contributions from contemporary artists such as The 1975 and Addison Rae.

Set 27 years after the events of the previous film, the new narrative follows a group of friends haunted by a hook-wielding killer. Their ordeal begins one year after they covered up a car accident that resulted in a fatality. The film brings back familiar faces, including Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze Jr., and Jennifer Love Hewitt, who reprise their iconic roles from the earlier series.

Directed by Jennifer Kaylin Robinson, best known for her work on *Thor: Love And Thunder*, the film also introduces a new cast featuring Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders, Jonah Hauer-King, and Tyrip Withers as the younger characters facing the new threat. Unlike its predecessors, this film does not reference the 2006 entry, *I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer*, or the 2021 Amazon Prime Video series.

Soundtrack Highlights and Original Score

The film boasts an original score composed by Chanda Dancy, known for her previous projects including *Blink Twice* and *I Wanna Dance With Somebody*. Alongside the score, the soundtrack features a variety of tracks that enhance the film’s atmosphere and narrative tension.

The complete list of songs featured in *I Know What You Did Last Summer* includes:

– Chloe Slater – ‘Tiny Screens’
– Ravyn Lenae – ‘Love Me Not’
– The Knocks & Dragonette – ‘Revelation’
– The 1975 – ‘People’
– The Haunted Youth – ‘Teen Rebel’
– Renee Rapp – ‘Leave Me Alone’
– Christian Lee Hutson – ‘Carousel Horses’
– Fickle Friend – ‘Swoon’
– Charlie Houston – ‘Lewps’
– The Marias – ‘Hush’
– Sammy Vaughn & The Star Marks – ‘Come Back Home’
– Daniel Johnston – ‘Devil Town’
– Alicia Bognanno – ‘Days Move Slow’
– Addison Rae – ‘Summer Forever’

This diverse lineup showcases a mix of established and emerging artists, positioning the soundtrack as a significant element of the film’s appeal. As audiences anticipate the thrills and chills of the movie, the music promises to be a memorable accompaniment to the unfolding drama.

The revival of the *I Know What You Did Last Summer* series not only brings back nostalgia but also introduces fresh talent and sounds, ensuring its relevance in the contemporary horror landscape.