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American actor Atticus Shaffer was just 10 years old when he was cast as Brick Heck -- the youngest Heck sibling who is known for his intelligence and willingness to procrastinate -- in the 2009-2018 sitcom series "The Middle."

Shaffer shared the big screen with Patricia Heaton as the clumsy and neurotic housewife and mother, Frankie Heck, Charlie McDermott as the oldest Heck sibling known for his popularity and giving his parents a run for their money, Axl Heck, and Eden Sher as the geeky middle sister, Sue Heck.

While Henry Cavill's future as Superman remains undecided, comic book Twitter is up in arms after someone suggested he's probably not coming back ... because he's a dinosaur.

The theory was posted by YouTuber/blogger Matt Jarbo, who last week said Cavill likely wouldn't reprise the role -- despite a massive amount of clamoring for him to do so -- because he felt HC had gotten a little too old, and perhaps a little too expensive.

He wrote, "A month ago Henry Cavill turned 39. He started playing Superman before the age of 30, and hasn't filmed anything new in 5 years. Its safe to say he's aged out of the role. As sad as it is, WBD will definitely be pushing for a younger actor to take on the role."

On Sunday, which happened to be Superman Day, he doubled down -- saying that Cavill was over the hill, and not what Warner Bros. Discovery wanted ... especially price tag-wise.

But it was Matt's age commentary that had people doing a double-take ... 'cause yeah, Cavill might be in his late 30s -- but the dude still looks great ... far from an old geezer.

Of course, a lot of what-about-ism was offered ... with many pointing to a number of "older" actors who've been tapped for superhero roles in the recent past, including some fellow DC alums like Jason Momoa and Gal Gadot, who are in their 40s and late 30s, respectively.

There's also Dwayne Johnson -- who's about to don a cape as Black Adam in his 50s, no less -- as well as Robert Downey Jr., who became Iron Man a bit later in life as well.

While Matt didn't elaborate on his old man hypothesis much, what he seems to be getting at is that he thinks WBD wants to go in a totally new direction with the character ... perhaps even a younger Superman in his 20s or early 30s, sorta like they did with 'The Batman.'

As for moola, yes ... Cavill would be costly to hire. He'd already made a reported substantial salary during his original run, and is in even higher demand now. A lesser-known actor could be brought on for significantly less money, and just as much fanfare. More importantly, HC appears to be over it. He hasn't even posted any Superman stuff today, and he's the guy!

What this seems to boil down to is regret among the fan base that Cavill was grossly underutilized in his heyday, and now that WBD is turning the page ... folks can't let go.

Rebel Wilson's coming out announcement is under a microscope because of what was happening BTS ... including a newspaper's attempt to force her to comment beforehand.

The Aussie actress -- who just revealed she's in a relationship with a woman -- responded to an outraged journalist from Down Under, who couldn't believe what the Sydney Morning Herald seems to be admitting ... namely, that they had RW over a barrel with the story.

The reporter wrote, "So apparently it wasn't @RebelWilson's choice to come out... The @smh/@theage have admitted to giving her a heads up 2 days in advance that they were going to 'out' her." She notes that openly gay men who work at SMH were involved too.

To that, Rebel wrote back ... "Thanks for your comments, it was a very hard situation but trying to handle it with grace ❤️" In other words, she appears to be confirming this perception of an attempt to out her publicly, before she was ready to do so herself.

The article in question -- which details what went into the process of trying to confirm the relationship -- comes across as somewhat angry about the fact that Rebel evaded their questions, which they say they made 2 days in advance, and scooped them herself.

The author writes of the decision to ask her team for comment ... "Big mistake. Wilson opted to gazump the story," adding ... "Considering how bitterly Wilson had complained about poor journalism standards when she successfully sued Woman’s Day for defamation, her choice to ignore our discreet, genuine and honest queries was, in our view, underwhelming."

As a result, many have accused the outlet of trying to out Rebel ... but one of their editors, Bevan Shields, denied that characterization in a follow-up piece -- offering more context.

He says, "[W]e simply asked questions and as standard practice included a deadline for a response. I had made no decision about whether or what to publish, and the Herald’s decision about what to do would have been informed by any response Wilson supplied."

After two mass shootings in the past month, it seems our elected leaders are finally doing something ... because a new bipartisan framework for gun reform has been reached.

20 U.S. senators announced they'd struck a deal for the bones of would-be legislation that they hope to draft up soon and present to the Senate floor for a vote -- consisting of 10 Dems and 10 Republicans, who've outlined key provisions they wanna address.

Here are the big takeaways of their proposed package ... stricter background checks and extra scrutiny for gun buyers under 21, more money for states to impose renewed red flag laws and additional funding for mental health treatment. Also, beefed up school security.

The background checks for those under 21 would include delving into their juvenile criminal records, if any, and health records. The red flag laws would give state-ran law enforcement the authority to temporarily strip guns from those that pose a risk to themselves or others. Unclear what the criteria for that might be, but based on the name ... anything that stands out as a red flag might presumably be used to step in and stop unusual behavior.

There's more ... their framework also seeks to close the "boyfriend loophole," meaning those who've been found to abuse their SOs can't get their hands on a gun. Plus, they're looking to crack down on straw gun purchasers as well as illegal unlicensed firearm dealers.

It's not everything President Biden has said he wants in new gun control reform, but it's a major first step -- and the fact that this many Republicans are on board means it has a real chance of passing the Senate without a filibuster, assuming they maintain their positions.

Among the four Senators who led the charge ... Chris Murphy (D), John Cornyn (R), Kyrsten Sinema (D) and Thom Tillis (R). The other Republicans include Romney, Portman, Toomey, Blunt, Graham, Cassidy, Collins and Burr. A handful of them are retiring this year.

Again, it's not the assault weapons ban many have been calling for ... but it's something for now. There's an even bigger committee in Congress working on more potential legislation.

The news comes after the Uvalde school shooting -- where 21 people were gunned down, 19 of whom were children -- and the Buffalo shooting ... where another young man went out of his way to target Black people. In both instances, an AR-15 style weapon was used.

President Biden is taking it on the chin, courtesy of Jake Paul ... who's making it very clear that he's not happy with how the economy is doing, or where the country's headed.

The YouTuber-turned-boxer tweeted out a direct message aimed at JB this weekend, in which he slammed POTUS for the job he's done thus far ... ticking off a list of triumphs under Biden's watch, but doing so with the utmost sarcasm.

Jake wrote out a handful of Biden's "accomplishments," including "1. Highest gas prices 2. Worst inflation 3. Plummeting crypto prices," plus ... "4. Highest rent prices ever."

He even took a personal shot, adding ... "5. Created new incomprehensible language." Jake wasn't done -- he sent a post-script to Biden voters as well. Jake says, "If you’re reading this and voted for Biden and you still don’t regret it then you are the American problem."

Interesting that Jake sees the ongoing crypto crash as a blemish on Joe's record -- ya gotta figure he's got money tied up in it, and most everything's been on a downward trend for months.

Alex Rodriguez has turned a new page in his love life after Jennifer Lopez -- although, he seems to be revisiting a similar chapter when it comes to vacations ... aka, Italia.

The Yankee great and ESPN broadcaster was recently out with girlfriend Kathryne Padgett in European waters, enjoying the island of Capri and one of its nightclubs called Taverna Anema e Core ... which looks like a swinging hot spot with live music and dancing.

That's exactly what A-Rod and Kat were doing during one of their date nights ... KP, especially, led the charge with a trusty old tambourine that she was shaking and tapping.

Alex got some rattles in too, and eventually ... they shared a kiss. Looks like a pretty sweet, romantic getaway that they're on. And while AR looks quite happy in his new relationship, we can't help but notice a bit of similarity here to what he once shared with J Lo.

Of course, we're talking about Summer 2018, when he and his then-GF were also sailing all over the Amalfi Coast. Granted, that trip was more fitness-geared than this one seems to be.

While things looked pretty magical at the time -- from the outside looking in -- we now know Jen and Alex weren't that great of a fit ... evidenced in her moving on to Ben Affleck, and once again getting engaged. Meanwhile, A-Rod appears quite happy with his new boo.

Corey: Kris, did you see dat?
Kris: Dat what?
Corey: Dat ass!!!

What? That's totally what Kris Jenner's bf Corey Gamble could've been whispering while getting super cozy with her during a party in Capri!

The Kardashians matriarch and her man are kicking it off the Italian island and, of course, they're doing it big ... on Tommy Hilfiger's yacht. Kris greeted the designer with big fat air kisses when they arrived.

Corey and Kris seemed to be rocking matching pink mumu-style outfits as they boarded the ship, and he just had to get him a handful of her butt.

Hey, they've been together for almost 8 years, so PDA at that point is always a good sign!

BTW, the couple is onboard for what could be a last hurrah for Tommy's super yacht, Flag. He's ready to part ways with the vessel, reportedly listing it for a cool $46 million. Hey, Kris does have a couple o' billionaire kids. Just sayin' ...

Her whole family has kinda taken the Italian Riviera by storm recently.

As you know, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker tied the knot at the Dolce and Gabbana estate in Portofino.

Looks like Kris and Corey are making their own fun ... now that the kids and grandkids are outta the picture.

Britney Spears' mom is weighing in on her daughter's wedding to Sam Asghari ... even though she didn't score an invitation to the affair.

Lynne Spears is obviously keeping a close eye on Britney's social media, as she left a comment on her Friday IG post about the "fairytale" ceremony. Lynne said, "You look radiant and so happy!"

TMZ broke the story ... when Brit and Sam decided to tie the knot last week at their Thousand Oaks, CA home, Britney's mother, father and sister, Jamie Lynn, were all left off the guest list.

Still, mama Spears gushed in her comment, "Your wedding is the 'Dream' wedding! And having it at your home makes it so sentimental and special!” Lynne added. "I am soooo happy for you! I love you!"

The only family member Britney invited was her brother Bryan, and although we saw him all dressed up with his date hours before the wedding ... he ended up no-showing.

As we've reported, Britney's been on the outs with her parents and sister since her battle to end the conservatorship heated up last year. The singer has threatened to sue all of them -- and her attorney, Mathew Rosengart, is currently trying to get Jamie Spears to sit for a deposition.

With that backdrop, it seems unlikely Britney would be thrilled about her mother's reaction to her wedding. If you're a glass half full person, though, it could be seen as an olive branch.

Blac Chyna says she got screwed again -- this time by the judges in her Celebrity Boxing Match -- which ended in a draw, despite the fact she got put on her ass.

Chyna's ring showdown with fitness model Alysia Magen wasn't the greatest display of the sweet science -- but both women threw lots of punches -- and while BC might argue this, Alysia got in the best single shot.

There was only one knockdown, and that was Alysia putting Blac Chyna on her ass ... but she was able to get back up.

When the Saturday night PPV event was over the judges called it a tie.

Neither "fighter" was thrilled with that outcome ... in fact, they both called it "bulls**t," and neither sounded like they were down for a rematch. Let's be honest, even fans don't want that.

Chyna's only response after the judge's decision was, "Maybe they should check the scores again!"

There was plenty of trash talk before the bell ... as we reported, Chyna lunged at her opponent during the weigh-in after Alysia fired off the perfect Kardashian-themed diss.

While Blac Chyna's not happy with the draw, it's a better ending than her $100 million defamation suit against the Kardashians.

That one was a TKO decision from the jury ... so, maybe ties aren't so bad, Chyna.

Idaho cops successfully foiled what could've been a repeat of Charlottesville by pulling over a U-Haul truck filled with 31 members of a white supremacist group near a Pride event.

The group is called Patriot Front -- you probably first heard of them during the deadly Charlottesville protests in 2017 -- and on Saturday, nearly 3 dozen of their members were packed into the back of the truck.

Police believe the men -- many wearing white supremacy insignias, face coverings and shirts that said "reclaim America" -- were planning to riot and go head-to-head with people participating in the "Pride in the Park" event.

The city's police chief says someone spotted the group loading into the U-Haul at a nearby hotel, and tipped off police. Ten minutes later, heavily armed officers pulled over the truck and arrested the group without incident.

Cops say the group had riot gear, such as shields, and at least one smoke grenade.

The group's leader, Thomas Ryan Rousseau, was arrested for criminal conspiracy to riot. He and others were being held on $300 bail.

There's a rare piece of Johnny Depp movie history hitting the auction block ... and the timing couldn't be better for the motorcycle he used in "Cry-Baby" to pull in 6-figures.

The bike is sick ... it's a 1955 Harley Davidson Model K ... and it's the same one used on-screen in Johnny's 1990 cult classic film.

The Harley is going up for sale through Kruse GWS Auctions and the opening bid is being set at $250,000 ... with potential buyers needing to bid in $25,000 increments if they want to win Johnny's movie ride.

If that sounds kinda steep, keep in mind the immense popularity wave Johnny's riding since winning the defamation case over Amber Heard. Fact is, all things Depp-related are commodities nowadays.

The auction house says the Harley was the "picture bike" used throughout filming in principal photography ... both on location in Maryland and also in Hollywood.

The bike's changed hands over the years, and is currently on display in a museum in Branson, Missouri following years of displays in different exhibits across the country.

Also included in the auction is Janis Joplin's mandolin, which she once gifted to Jimi Hendrix.

The instrument is hand-painted with flowers and phrases ... including "Love Thy Neighbor" and Jimi's name. The auction house says the mandolin's been in a private collection for 20 years and is on the market for the first time. They estimate that it will go for $250k.

Sam Asghari's ex-GF thinks Britney Spears landed herself Mr. Perfect ... in addition to being a great husband, she's convinced he's primed for daddy duty in the near future.

Mayra Veronica tells us Sam's never been the type of guy to flirt around behind his girl's back ... and thinks he will be a hubby that supports Britney through and through.

She says she was dealing with issues similar to Britney when she was with Sam, and he was by her side through the entire ordeal.

The singer says her management team was extremely controlling back in 2015, warning her about Sam. She clearly didn't buy what they were selling, and stayed solidly in Sam's corner.

She also thinks he's the man for the job if they're thinking about having some kids ... she describes him as a pretty protective guy that'll be there for his fam. High praise.

We got Mayra in September, right as Britney and Sam got engaged ... she had nothing but good things to say about him, admitting he hit the jackpot.

She didn't mean $$$, and she also made it clear the jackpot thing goes both ways.

Even though Ryan Garcia's 3-year-old daughter, Rylie, has boxing in her DNA, the chances of her becoming a pugilist in the future are zero to none ... according to the baby's mother, Catherine Gamez, who tells TMZ Sports the fighter doesn't want it to happen.

"I don't think her dad will let her," Gamez said. "No, no."

Apparently, there's no harm in Rylie watching the sport, though ... Gamez tells us Garcia is allowing the youngster to at least catch his fights in person.

In fact, Gamez -- who split with Garcia following Rylie's birth in 2019 -- said Rylie had ringside seats at her dad's most recent bout in April.

"She attended her first boxing match actually at his last fight in Texas," Gamez said. "We planned it, and she had a lot of fun."

Gamez says Rylie will likely be at her dad's next match too -- when the 22-0 lightweight boxer takes on Javier Fortuna (37-3) on July 16 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Teyana Taylor's looks over the years are super sweet!

Here's a 22-year-old version of the quadruple threat showing off her natural beauty while rockin' a white jumpsuit backstage while hanging at the BET studio in New York City back in 2012 (left). She was spotted alongside other music icons like Common, 2 Chainz, Pusha T and Big Sean!

And, nearly 10 years later ... the now 31-year-old rockin' momma recently stopped for cameras while showing that same star energy at an event at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California (right).

Hold up, hold up, your love is definitely not fadin', Teyana Taylor!

The question is ...

It looks like Iman Shumpert and Teyana Taylor are about to be officially done with the West Coast ... 'cause TMZ has learned, they sold their L.A. area house.

Property records show they accepted an offer for their house back in April, and real estate sources tell TMZ ...  they'll be closing next week, unloading it for $4 million.

Whoever scooped up the Studio City pad is getting all the bells and whistles ... including a pool, movie theater and even a waterfall. Oh, and there's a custom dog house, just in case they're any kinda dog-lover.

The master bedroom also comes with a massive walk-in closet and a meditation balcony that overlooks the serene yard.

The place is a real beaut, but we're told Teyana and Iman decided to sell it because they're spending most of their time on the East Coast these days.

And, from the looks of it ... they've been toying with the idea for a while.

The couple actually bought the home back in 2018 for a little under $3 mil, listed it for rent and tried to sell it 2 years later. They ended up taking it off the market, before relisting back in April.

Concealed in this edged-out scramble is a man about town, a talent manager and a business executive who loves to drip himself, along with his mega-famous girlfriend, in lots of diamonds.

When he's not tricking out cars and loving on his girl, you can likely find this diamond-studded guy working with Justin Bieber and JB's manager Scooter Braun. If you like to keep up with top-notch reality shows you've definitely witnessed him taking shots of Don Julio 1942 with billionaire Kylie Jenner.