'Oppenheimer' Film Japan Offers No Release Date ... 78 Years After Atomic Bombs Dropped

Director Christopher Nolan's summer blockbuster, "Oppenheimer," was released Friday in the U.S. and other countries, but there's one nation where you won't see it ... and that appears to be on purpose.

Japan has not yet announced a release date for the film, which is about the creation of the nuclear bomb in the United States, culminating in a successful test of the doomsday weapon in July 1945.

Weeks later, America dropped 2 nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9, 1945, respectively, putting an end to World War II. The Japanese cities were completely obliterated with roughly 200,000 people killed and next month marks the 78th anniversary of the bombings.

So, it's no coincidence Japan has put the movie on the back burner ... for now. Keep in mind, though, Japan has a history of postponing new Hollywood film releases for weeks or even months to assess their popularity and value within the market.

But, some have already speculated the tragic historical events are what's really at play here, and Japanese audiences might be sensitive to some of the film's content.

We'll just have to see how this drama hashes out. Stay tuned.

Barbie Director Greta Gerwig Makes Shock Appearance At NYC Screening

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DIRECTOR DROPS IN
Twitter/@davidmackau

"Barbie" director Greta Gerwig not only made a huge splash on the silver screen, but she dazzled audiences when she showed up unannounced at a viewing of the movie in NYC.

Greta made heads turn and jaws drop as she strolled inside a theater before the showing of "Barbie" at Alamo Drafthouse in Brooklyn Friday, which was the official release date of the much talked about film.

Gerwig stood in front of her captivated audience, thanking them for their interest in the flick that she and her cast created with "so much joy and hope." She then told them to enjoy the movie and walked away.

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Alamo Drafthouse later posted a series of Instagram photos highlighting the moment Greta spoke in front of the crowd.

The caption, in part, read, "Last night we invited our pal Greta Gerwig to surprise the crowd at a sold out showing of BARBIE and minds were blown! There were cheers. There were tears. There was lots and lots of pink."

Meanwhile, Barbie is already making bank at the box office after getting mostly good reviews. The movie raked in $22 million in preview ticket sales, while Forbes estimates "Barbie" could also snag over $100 million in it's opening weekend domestically.

Carlee Russell Terminated From Spa Job ... Co-Workers Pissed Over Kidnapping Tale

Carlee Russell's bad week just got worse ... because she was just fired from her job in Alabama.

Russell got sacked Friday from the Woodhouse Spa in Birmingham after her claims of being kidnapped have come under major scrutiny since she resurfaced alive and well one week ago, according to the New York Post.

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CARLEE'S 911 CALL

Her former boss, Stuart Rome, told the media outlet ... Russell's former co-workers are furious with her because they feel they might have been duped.

Rome said his employees have reason to be annoyed ... they were super busy at the spa the Saturday Russell disappeared, but still found time to hand out fliers over their concerns for her well-being.

What's more, the spa received an influx of negative social media posts from trolls, blasting management for employing Russell, which has resulted in many terrible reviews. Rome said business is now so bad he's "just trying to keep the doors open."

Rome also said his workers spent an entire day deleting the nastygrams and closing down the comments sections on the company's Facebook and Instagram pages.

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ODD ACTIVITY
Hoover Police Department

As we reported ... police held a press conference Wednesday, poking holes in Russell's kidnapping story while revealing she searched the internet for information on Amber Alerts and the abduction film, "Taken," before she vanished. Cops also poured cold water on her assertion she saw a child wandering alone along the highway.

Kim Kardashian I'm At Messi's First MLS Game With Saint ... LeBron, Tristan There Too

Kim Kardashian is taking her soccer mom game to the next level ... bringing son Saint with her to Lionel Messi's first game with his new Major League Soccer club.

Kim and Saint are among the celebs in the house for Messi's debut with Inter Miami ... she says they're there to support Saint's passion for soccer, and root on his favorite player, Messi.

Remember ... Kim and Saint have been to soccer games around the world this year, we saw them back in March at a match in Paris.

Kim and Saint are seeing some familiar faces at the game ... because Tristan Thompson is also in the house.

Serena Williams made sure to catch Messi's first game ... and LeBron James did too, even sharing a moment with the soccer star before the game.

Messi's new Inter Miami team is playing Mexican club Cruz Azul at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale ... and he's coming off the bench and expected to play the last 30 minutes.

If this is the star power for Messi's debut in Florida, imagine who all will be in the crowd when he comes to Los Angeles later this year for MLS games.

Machine Gun Kelly Call My Girl 'Beautiful as F**k' ... I'll Beat Your Ass!!!

Machine Gun Kelly went off at the O.C. Fair after a dude decided to indelicately compliment Megan Fox ... according to the brother of the guy MGK swung at.

Nelson Zuniga tells TMZ ... he and his fam were waiting to get on the UFO ride Thursday night, when MGK and Megan stepped off it.

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IT'S JUST A COMPLIMENT
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His little brother, Angel, recognized Megan, telling her she was "beautiful as f***' ... which triggered the now-viral ordeal.

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FAIR FIGHT
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Nelson says the comment enraged MGK, who retaliated with a slap. He says his youngest brother tried to punch MGK but missed.

As for Angel's comment about Megan, Nelson says it was a compliment and MGK should have taken it as such.

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MOMENTS AFTER ATTACK
TikTok / @arianamyaa

As we reported, MGK and Megan's security guard swooped in to push Nelson's brothers back, but he accidentally ended up shoving Megan in the process.

Nelson and co. still aren't sure if they're gonna press charges against Kelly, but they are talking to lawyers. We're guessing that won't go far. BTW, he says they weren't fans of his music before all this -- we doubt that's gonna change any time soon.

Jerry Seinfeld & Larry David Pretty, Pretty Funny Night Out!!! Dinner with Amy, Judd & More in Italy

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FUN WITH FRIENDS
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This might be the funniest dinner table ever -- Jerry Seinfeld breaking Italian bread with some insanely successful actors, writers, producers and an entertainment mogul thrown in for good measure.

Jerry's on vacay in Italy -- like everyone else, it seems -- and he was dining at Andrea Pansa in Amalfi this week. NBD, just chatting it up with comedy legends Larry David and Judd Apatow ... along with billionaire David Geffen.

That alone would be pretty, prettyyy impressive -- but after some banter, the guys were joined by fellow comedian Amy Schumer, and Judd's wife, actress Leslie Mann!!!

Jerry seemed to be holding court at the table, and even snapped a pic with a young fan who was, understandably, grinning from ear to ear.

Jerry and his wife Jessica, who was also there, have been enjoying their European vacay -- last month they were spotted soaking up the sun on a yacht in the south of France.

Quite the impressive lineup for that meal, though. Sorta like the last supper of comedy ... with a better outcome!

Stars and Scars You Be the Judge

Jason Aldean has taken controversy right to the top of the charts, and who woulda guessed, Kylie and Jordyn back together. So we gotta ask ...

Jason Aldean's 'Try That In A Small Town'

Kylie And Jordyn Hangin' Out ...

Carlee Russell 'Kidnapping' ...

More Surprising Breakup ...

Taylor Swift ...

Miranda Lambert Stopping Concert Over Selfie ...

Bebe Rexha Putting BF On Blast Over Weight Gain Text ...

Raquel Will Return For 'VPR' Season 11 ...

Search Warrant In Tupac Murder ...

Seth Rollins My Kid Doesn't Have To Wrestle ... I'll Support Her 100%!!!

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HER CHOICE!!!

Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch's 2-year-old daughter has two WWE Superstars for parents ... but she could grow up to be a pharmacist for all they care -- 'cause The Architect tells TMZ Sports they'll support their kid in whatever she wants to do with her life.

Wrestling has been known to be a family affair ... with families like the Flairs, Rhodeses, Johnsons and more dominating the sport over generations.

So, when we caught up with Rollins, we had to ask if that's something he'd like to see with his daughter, Roux ... and he made it clear their household isn't going to force anything.

"That's up to her, man," Rollins said at LAX this week. "Whatever she wants to do, I'm on board. I support her 100%."

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If Roux does want to follow in their footsteps, 37-year-old Rollins says she'd find herself amongst the top female entertainers in the world .... 'cause he had high praise for the ladies of WWE.

"I will say our women are the most talented on the planet."

Rollins -- who married Lynch in 2021 -- also gushed about his partner ... adding, "My wife is the best to do it. I'm a lucky man and anybody who gets to exist around her is lucky as well."

Roux wouldn't have to go far for advice if she wants to wrassle ... after all, Seth also owns a wrestling school, Black and Brave Wrestling Academy, in Iowa.

We'll just have to wait and see!!

'Barbie' It's a Barbie World At The Grove in L.A. ... Fans Dress Up At Theater

Fans of Barbie are doing the most as they take in the movie at a famous landmark in Los Angeles ... dressing up in pink for the blockbuster flick.

TMZ was on hand Friday at The Grove, where tons of folks piled in to the theater and did their best to pay homage to Barbie and Ken.

Margot Robbie would definitely be proud of the Barbie girls here ... because the theater is awash in a sea of pink, just like the actress was during her movie promo tour.

One things for sure ... seeing "Barbie" this summer is becoming a huge event.

Going to movies is fun, but dressing up for them is even better!!!

And, action.

What's The Big Frigin' Difference?!

You'll need to keep an eye out for the pedestrians in order to find the changes in these images of actor Timothée Chalamet. Plus, given the direction he's strolling down the street ... it's strongly advised to watch where you're going!

The future Willy Wonka was looking chipper and cheeky as he made his way through his hometown of NYC, where he appeared to be blocking out the haters with his headphones and shades; however, that shouldn't stop you from getting in there and securing the differences into the bag!

**HINT: There are THREE differences in the above Timothee Chalamet photos!**

Barbie Doll Values Skyrocket with Movie Buzz ... Says 'Pawn Stars' Toy Guy

Everyone's seeing pink as "Barbie" takes over theaters, but collectors and resellers of the famed dolls are thinking green ... according to a man who collects toys for a living.

Pop culture expert and collector Joel Magee -- a frequent guest on "Pawn Stars" -- tells us the interest in Mattel's flagship doll has been high ever since the movie promotion took off. He says fans don't just want a movie ticket, they want the source material for themselves.

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BARBIE BONANZA
TMZ.com

Joel loves that a toy which debuted in the '50s is just as popular today, and feels there are gonna be some rare editions of Barbie coming out of retirement, and onto auction blocks, thanks to the movie.

For context, Barbies that had been going for $100 last month are seeing markups around $150 today, and that's the cheap stuff. The one everyone's after is the 1959 debut doll -- which is going for anywhere between $15k to $20k today!

BTW, Joel -- AKA "The Toy Scout" -- knows his stuff when it comes to Barbie and beyond ... he's been in the game for 30 years, traveling across the country making deals on vintage toys and collectibles.

He also just wrapped a massive Disneyland auction with Van Eaton Galleries ... where over 1,400 theme park goodies from the past left his collection and went on the auction block.

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NOW'S THE TIME!!!
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BTW, Joel's got some advice for folks on both ends of the Barbie doll market -- make those deals NOW!

Hot Stars In Pink Bikinis Making Hollywood Blush!

The "Barbie" movie is painting the town pink, and there's been no shortage of famous people in fuchsia because social media has been getting dolled up with gorgeous gals in pink swimwear ... so grab your popcorn and snack on all the Barbie-inspiring babes!

From the shores of Malibu -- and everywhere under the Barbie Land sun -- stars like Kylie Jenner exited the water like a dashing doll-fin and both Brielle Biermann and Madison Bailey were lookin' like they just came off the Barbie-queue!

Check out our gallery and see the rest of Hollywood's pink posse being doused in pink perfection!

2023 SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON See All The Best Cosplay ... Worlds Are Colliding!!!

This year's Comic-Con is in full gear down in San Diego, and tons of folks look ready for the big screen ... dressing up as characters from some of 2023's biggest movies and TV shows.

The convention kicked off Thursday and the cosplay is on point yet again ... there's lots of folks going as Barbie and Ken, plus a family who went all Indiana Jones, and Mario and Peach's mushroom kingdom is getting a strong showing.

There's also some Oppenheimer looks ... with some folks even going up against their Barbie counterparts ... plus super heroes from all different universes.

Naturally, Star Wars is well represented too ... there's Mandalorians galore and even some Grogus.

The classic comic book characters are getting some love too ... because Batman and Robin never get old.

Check out the gallery ... it looks like a seriously fun time.

Tony Bennett Memorials Pop Up Around Country After Music Legend's Death

Tony Bennett's music will leave a lasting impression in the history of the business, and his death is already hitting home for millions ... with memorials popping up around the U.S.A.

Check out the beautiful flowers laid next to Tony's statue at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. The arrangement was reportedly ordered by the hotel itself ... and the building served as the first place Tony ever sang "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" back in 1961.

Fans also flocked to Tony's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Friday to pay their respects and leave flowers on his marker ... a common sign after a celeb death on the Walk.

Of course, New York City is also showing love to Tony, there's been a bouquet left on a bench in Central Park -- the same spot Tony posed for a cute pic with his pooch while out on a walk.

As we reported ... Tony died at home in NYC Friday after a several-year battle with Alzheimer's disease. The singer was first diagnosed in 2016 but didn't announce it until 2021 ... he last performed at Radio City Music Hall with Lady Gaga in 2021.

RIP to a legend.

We discussed Tony's legacy on the latest episode of The TMZ Podcast, available on all podcast platforms.

Machine Gun Kelly Threw First Punch in O.C. Fair Fight ... New Video Shows

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FAIR FIGHT
TMZ.com

We've got a brand new look at Machine Gun Kelly and Megan Fox's dust up at the Orange County Fair ... and it looks like the singer is the one who threw hands first after getting heated.

Check out the latest angle, obtained by TMZ ... right off the bat, things were lookin' tense Thursday night as the couple hopped off the ride, with MGK beelining it to 2 guys standing nearby.

Seems like the dudes must've said something to irk MGK, 'cause almost immediately he swings at them, appearing to nail one guy in the face -- then, the other guy throws a punch back in retaliation, which is when his security gets involved.

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MOMENTS AFTER ATTACK
TikTok / @arianamyaa

As we reported, Megan got caught between the bodyguard and the randos ... getting slammed into a nearby fence before MGK pulled her away from the mess.

This wasn't the first time things have gotten physical during a night out for MGK and Megan -- who can forget what went down at the 2021 VMAs, when Conor McGregor lunged at the singer and splashed a drink before getting ripped away by security.

'Shark Week' Get Ready for 'Alien Shark' Sex Tapes!!!

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EXPLORING THE UNKOWN
TMZ.com

Wildlife biologist Forrest Galante is literally diving into the unknown to explore bizarre and rare sharks -- and while the potential danger is high, he says the never-before-seen footage they captured makes it all worth it for him.

That video will be front and center next week for Discovery's "Shark Week," and Forrest joined us Friday on "TMZ Live" to give us a peek at what he found off the coast of South Africa ... including some frisky, and violent mating habits.

Forrest's special is called, "Alien Sharks: Strange New Worlds" ... and he says it shines a light on sharks that don't get the publicity of great whites, hammerheads and tiger sharks.

While he swears most of the sharks in our vast, mostly unexplored oceans are harmless, he admits humans truly don't know what all is down there -- which, frankly, sounds pretty scary.

There's a happy ending here though -- Forrest and the Discovery crew came back to the surface with some historic footage ... pyjama sharks having sex on camera!!!

No word if these striped sharks have an OnlyFins.