Chris Pine 'D&D' Flick Slays 'John Wick 4' ... He's Got the Magic Touch!!!

Chris Pine has the right stuff for movie magic -- his latest flick, 'Dungeons & Dragons,' just swiped the top spot at the box office ... stealing the spotlight from Keanu Reeves.

The actor and his rag-tag team of costars -- Michelle Rodriguez, Justice Smith, Rege-Jean Page, etc. -- cleaned up this weekend in theaters ... where 'Honor Among Thieves' came in first ahead of 'John Wick 4' by quite a bit, a whopping $38.5 mil compared to $28.2 mil.

That's pretty surprising considering the huge momentum KR's action-packed blockbuster had behind it last weekend -- not to mention the rave reviews. Chris, however, had just as much good word of mouth about his fantasy adventure film ... which everyone seems to be loving.

We've seen it ourselves ... and yeah, it's pretty freaking awesome. You don't even have to be a real D&D nerd to enjoy it either -- which is sorta the genius of it ... mass appeal for all.

If you're unfamiliar with what it's about ... 'D&D' follows a rescue-the-kid plot -- with Hugh Grant playing a hilariously snobbish bad guy. Rege is great too ... and the humor throughout is top-notch. CP honestly might be on Ryan Reynolds' level with comedic timing and delivery.

There's also a wildly unexpected cameo that pops up about midway through ... from yet another handsome leading man in Hollywood, for whom no role is too small. Literally.

Chris is on a roll with his projects lately ... dude doesn't seem to be in anything objectively bad, and 'Dungeons & Dragons' is no exception.

Also, 2023 is off to a great start with ticket sales. The last couple months or so have seen huge numbers from movies like "Creed III," "Scream VI," 'John Wick 4' and now ... 'D&D.' Seems like we may be back from the pandemic blues after all -- at least so far, anyway.

DJ Drama Suge Story Sounds Cool ... But We Really Need a Dr. Dre Universe!!!

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DRE CINEMATIC UNIVERSE
TMZ.com

DJ Drama is all for Suge Knight's pending plans to televise his life story ... but he feels Dr. Dre's narrative is even better suited for prime time!!!

We caught up with Mr. Thanksgiving outside iHeartRadio in NY, where he outlined the many platinum reasons why a Dre TV series could take off.

TMZ Hip Hop broke the story ... the incarcerated Death Row Records cofounder is prepared to begin casting for a Suge biopic series.

Obviously, Suge's saga would include Dre ... but Drama says he thinks the Doc's story is worth its own stand-alone series. As he put it, Dre's N.W.A, Death Row and Aftermath eras are all equally must-see TV!!!

Remember, Dre and the surviving N.W.A members previously told part of their story with 2015's "Straight Outta Compton" ... which won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

Speaking of movies, Drama recently channeled Tupac Shakur from "Juice" to promote his new album, "I'm Really Like That," which dropped Friday and features Lil Uzi Vert, Jack Harlow, Rick Ross and Wiz Khalifa ... among others.

Perhaps Drama can land a role in Suge's production or a Dre series -- he pushed for it with our photog, jokingly calling himself the "Dram Cruise" of hip hop!!!

X-Pac Bianca Belair's Next Hollywood Star ... To Emerge From WWE

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NEXT BIG THING
TMZSports.com

Bianca Belair could be the next John Cena, Rock or Dave Bautista -- at least, that's what wrestling legend X-Pac thinks ... 'cause he tells TMZ Sports he sees the current WWE RAW Women's champ moving from the squared circle to the silver screen!!

We spoke with the 50-year-old great out at LAX this week ... and asked the two-time Hall of Fame inductee who he believes could transition into Hollywood post-wrestling career.

After going through of list of WWE stars in his head, Pac finally figured it out ... it's Bianca.

"She's great at everything," Pac told us. "She's a good talker ... she makes her own outfits, bro."

"She's great in the ring. I'm a huge fan. That's who I'm picking."

Of course, Pac (real name Sean Waltman) doesn't see the 33-year-old starting an acting career any time soon -- Belair just made her wrestling debut in 2016 and recently became the longest-reigning Black singles champion in WWE history.

"She's still on her run," Pac added. "When she's done with her run, I think that's available for her. If she wants to."

A WWE star turned actor/actress isn't far-fetched obviously ... The Rock -- who wrestled from 1996 to 2019 -- is one of the highest-paid actors in the nation and his films have grossed over $10.5 billion worldwide.

Cena -- who still wrestles in the WWE -- has been featured in several movies and TV shows, including "Peacemaker." He also won the Action Star of the Year award at CinemaCon.

As for Dave Bautista, he solidified his spot in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with his part in "Guardians of the Galaxy" ... and has since taken on some wide-ranging roles.

Belair in an action-thriller?! We're down for that!!!

Marlon Wayans Continued Stand-up Show ... After Learning of Father's Death

UPDATE

4:53 PM PT -- Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Marlon actually learned of his father's death last night during a gig out in Burbank, CA -- where he was scheduled for two different stand-up comedy shows at a club called Flappers.

UPDATE

We're told that he was notified after his first show that evening, and went on to do his second show afterward ... where our sources say he worked the tragedy into his material, which amounted for an incredibly emotional set -- one where he was already discussing the passing of his mother.

UPDATE
UPDATE

Our sources say Marlon held off the big news about his father only until the end of his show -- this after going deep into his family dynamic/history as one of the Wayans. We're told he said it at the end, noting his father had just passed 3 hours ago ... and he wept too.

UPDATE

The crowd, we're told, gave him a standing O ... and there were some tears shed in the audience. There was a bit of a delay as well for his 9:30 PM show -- now, we know why.

The Wayans family patriarch, Howell Wayans, has died ... and his children are paying tribute.

Marlon Wayans confirmed the sad news Saturday with a touching post. He threw up a pic of him and Howell together, with the latter kissing his son on the head. MW writes, "Legend. When i was a child I asked my Dad what did you want to be when grew up? He simply said 'I wanted to be a man' I said 'not a lawyer? A doctor? An actor?' He said 'just a man.'"

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He continued to explain how Howell told not everyone grows up to be a man, elaborating on what it takes to become that ... including owning up to one's responsibilities and taking care of one's family. Marlon says that convo with Howell made him aspire to be just that.

Marlon had more to say about the passing of his father, adding ... "Thank you Pop for being an example of a Man to all your boys. I pray all young black boys can grow up to be a Man like you. Baby boy loves you. And if ever i need you i know exactly where to find you… in my Bible that now sits by bed. Rest well. Kiss Ma for me. Tell her her babies miss her."

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Omar Epps, a famous actor friend of the family, also sent condolences ... and praised Howell as a second father figure in his life, who took him under his wing as one of his own.

Howell raised 10 of his children in NYC alongside his late wife, Elvira, who died three years ago. That includes several who went on to be incredibly successful in showbiz ... Marlon, Shawn, Damon, Kim and Keenen. Just about all of the siblings have touched entertainment in one way or another ... and have all enjoyed successful careers in their own right.

Howell has been described by his loved ones as a disciplinarian and a hard worker who instilled core tenets and values in all of his kids. He was supportive of their aspirations for comedy, acting and writing ... and it clearly paid off, as the Wayans are a household name.

He's survived by his children and many grandchildren. Howell was 86.

RIP

Originally Published -- 2:03 PM PT

Zendaya Heads Into India Event Solo, w/o Tom Link Up After, Avoid 🫂

It's been a while since we've seen or heard from Tom Holland and Zendaya -- and in case you're wondering, they are still together ... although they seem to be a little PDA shy lately.

The two actors were on hand Friday evening in India, where they both attended the NMACC Gala in Mumbai ... looking completely done up and dressed to the nines as they were heading in -- especially Z, who was wearing a gorgeous traditional Indian saree.

Her dress was flowing -- and part of it even trailed her ... much like she did with TH, who didn't stand side by side with his girl. Instead, he let her have the spotlight for herself as he went first in his own pap crush moment. In other words, they didn't pose together outside.

Once they were indoors, however, Tom sidled up to Zendaya ... as well as some other famous stars who were there too -- like Gigi Hadid, Penelope Cruz, Law Roach, etc.

No outward signs of lovey-dovey-ness from them in this instance either. They looked pretty casual ... just chitchatting and shooting the breeze. And when they did a group shot with all their famous pals in attendance, Tom and Zendaya didn't even stand next to each other.

Their seemingly conspicuous spacing and blocking in public were also noticeable when they touched down in Mumbai earlier that same day -- where they appeared to get in the same car, but avoided being photographed in the same shot ... almost like it was planned.

So, what can we make of this apparent no-affection zone in India? Hard to say -- Tom and Zendaya have cozied up a lot since going public as a couple in 2021 ... even in front of cameras and on the biggest of stages, like world premieres and high-profile outings.

We've seen them hold hands, hug and sweetly hold each other in front of cameras (post-relationship news), and we've certainly seen them share the love in private. Sometimes, though ... they seem to opt for the opposite vibe, like here where they're more low-key.

Behind the scenes, they're still hanging out as much as they've ever been -- which was also on display for their India trip. What we can gather ... they're a fairly private pair and don't seem to like rubbing their relationship in everyone's faces so much, which is respectable.

Considering Z is very much so Hollywood's it girl, it'll be interesting to see how they navigate the public sphere the more famous they become, which is almost a certainty at their young age (just 26 years old). Sky's the limit for these two ... better start planning now!

Reese Witherspoon Files For Divorce From Husband ... Prenup in Place

Reese Witherspoon has officially filed for divorce from Jim Toth, citing irreconcilable differences ... and dividing up the assets won't be a problem.

According to court docs, obtained by TMZ, Reese pulled the plug on her 12-year marriage to Toth in Nashville, Tennessee, where the couple was raising their 10-year-old child.

In the docs, Reese says she and Jim signed a prenup in March 2011, adding the agreement is valid, providing "adequate and sufficient provisions" for their assets and debts.

The actress says she will submit the prenup and a permanent parenting plan for the care of their child to the judge for approval.

Side note ... like all Davidson County divorce cases involving a child, Reese and James will now have to enroll in a mandatory parenting class. They have 60 days to submit a certificate of completion to the court.

As we reported ... Reese announced the split with her actor/producer husband on Instagram last week, saying they thought long and hard about the difficult decision to divorce. She also went down memory lane a bit, talking about their mutual love and respect, before mentioning their biggest priority was their son.

This was Reese's second walk down the aisle ... she was married to Ryan Phillippe from 1999 to 2008.

Gwyneth Paltrow Lawyer's a Super Clark Kent Look-Alike ... All The Rage After Trial Victory

Gwyneth Paltrow's attorney was getting superstar treatment after his big victory in court this week ... and even Katie Couric was taking notice of his Clark Kent-like appearance.

Paltrow's lawyer, James Egan, was being compared to the bespectacled heartthrob protagonist, better known as Superman, by Couric and many others on social media.

As you know, Egan scored a major win for Paltrow in her civil case against retired optometrist Terry Sanderson after their 2016 ski collision in Deer Valley, Utah. A jury voted in favor of the actress and awarded her $1, as well as full reimbursement of her legal expenses. Both parties sued each other over the ski crash.

Couric, the former "Today" host, took to Instagram to reveal she had the hots for Egan. She wrote, “He’s cute,” accompanied by a photo of Egan wearing his Clark Kent glasses.

Her company, Katie Couric Media, also posted a dramatic reaction to Egan's handsome looks: “Good GOD.” But it wasn't clear if Couric had made the remark or one of her workers.

Fashion columnist Evan Ross Katz was also enamored by Egan, sharing a picture of the lawyer on Instagram with the caption: "Gwyneth's attorney James Egan? I think we should have that conversation."

After the trial, Extra's Billy Bush asked Egan how he felt about his fans falling head over heels for him. Egan responded, "I have heard that. It's weird." He added that he was headed home for quality time with his one-year-old son.

Social media users called Egan “law daddy,”  “hottie” and “smoke show." One person asked, “Can he be held against me in a court of law?” Another said: “I’d let him ski directly into my effing back.”

According to his online profile, Egan lives in Salt Lake City and has worked for the law firm, Epperson & Owens, since 2016. In 2014, he graduated magna cum laude from J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University.

Gwyneth Paltrow It Might Not Be Over ... Ski Crash Doctor Considering Appeal

Gwyneth Paltrow scored a major W in court in her ski crash trial, but it may not be totally over ... as we've learned the doctor who alleged she injured him is considering an appeal.

Robert Sykes, attorney for Dr. Terry Sanderson tells TMZ ... "We sincerely disagree with the outcome and will consider all options moving forward .... including a motion to the court for a new trial or a possible appeal. All of those things are on the table."

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100% NOT AT FAULT

Sykes says he believes there were a number of errors made in the case that could form the basis of an appeal. He says one issue is that the judge allowed Gwyneth's lawyers to dig into Terry's past, which they insist was "totally unrelated" to the collision on the mountain but didn't allow his lawyers the same with respect to Paltrow's past.

As we reported, the jury reached a verdict Thursday in the trial ... saying it was Sanderson who caused the accident with GP on the ski slope -- and not the other way around -- as he had claimed.

The actress was awarded $1 in damages, the amount she demanded in her countersuit.

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CRIES FROM THE MOUNTAIN

Sanderson sued Paltrow back in 2019, blaming her for slamming into him on the slopes at Deer Valley Resort in Utah back in 2016. Sanderson said he suffered a concussion and broken ribs as a result of the crash.

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IT WAS ASSAULT

His initial lawsuit asked for more than $3 million in damages, however, the judge later ruled he could only get a maximum of $300K.

As far as the timeline of any of this, we're told Terry's team isn't making any moves just yet ... instead, they are considering their options and will take their time before making a final decision.

One thing's for sure though, Sykes says Sanderson feels pretty bad right now, after investing his money and time into all of this for three years ... and on top of everything else, he's battling a cold.

The Miz Seth Rollins Vs. Logan Paul Will Be Match To Be Remembered!!!

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LONG ROAD AHEAD
TMZSports.com

The Miz -- host of WrestleMania 39 at SoFi Stadium this year -- believes Seth Rollins and Logan Paul's match on "The Grandest Stage of Them All" will be nothing but fireworks ... telling TMZ Sports, "This is going to be a match to be remembered."

We spoke with Miz at LAX ahead of the most significant event in sports entertainment ... and he told us WWE fans are in for a history-making moment when Rollins and Paul clash in the ring.

Miz says Logan -- who he teamed up with for a tag team match against Rey and Dominik Mysterio at last year's WrestleMania -- will have a difficult time trying to beat fan favorite Rollins ... who he eliminated in this year's Royal Rumble match.

"Logan's got his hands tied up with Seth Rollins," Miz said. "Seth Rollins is one of the best technical wrestlers out there. The fans love him and will be behind him at WrestleMania."

"With 90,000 plus screaming for you, I don't think Logan is used to people booing him and telling him he's no good. I know the dedication and heart that Logan has. I've been in the ring with him."

The Miz's prediction that Seth and Logan's match might steal the show speaks volumes about the two competitors. After all, WM's two-night spectacle features superstars like the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar and John Cena.

Speaking of Cena ... we asked Miz if there's currently anyone in the WWE who he sees making the transition from the squared circle to the movie screen like so many wrestlers, including John, did, and he answered in vintage Miz fashion.

"I'm still waiting for the role to break me," Miz joked. "The Marine 3,4,5, and 6 didn't do it. I'm waiting for Johnny Cage, but Mortal Combat hasn't called."

Pick up the phone, movie producers!!!

For more, tune into the TMZ Sports Podcast available on all podcast platforms!

What's The Big Frigin' Difference?!

She can sing, she can dance, she can act ... Teyana Taylor is a triple threat! As a bystander, don't be threatened by these two pics ... see if you've got what it takes to locate the differences in these two shots!

Teyana has been movin' and groovin', promoting her new movie "A Thousand and One" and was captured by the paparazzi in NYC this week. Per usual, the hot momma brought her fashion game, sporting some distressed jeans and a Tupac tee. Can you find the minor changes in the two pics?

**HINT: There are THREE differences in the above Teyana Taylor photos!**

50 Cent to Vivica A. Fox You Got Your 'BMF' Facts Wrong!!!

50 Cent has no qualms about calling out his ex-flame Vivica A. Fox for what he feels is her encroaching on his "BMF" territory!!!

Vivica is currently promoting the "The First Lady of BMF: The Tonesa Welch Story" ... an upcoming BET+ biopic, which she's directing.

According to 50's expertise and (close connections), Tonesa was never a part of Detroit's infamous BMF enterprise, and says she's more accurately linked to the Detroit 263 Crew ... which her ex-husband Terry "Southwest T" Flenory commanded.

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50 tagged Southwest in his IG post -- perhaps to get a second opinion on the facts -- and also slandered Judge Mathis' inclusion as executive producer. But, Vivica sees the entire ordeal as promotion and happily reposted her former flame's rant!!!

The series was greenlit several weeks ago and begins filming in April in Washington, D.C.

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OFF-SCRIPT
TMZ.com

If you remember, Tonesa lashed out against Lala Anthony's "BMF" character "MarKaisha Taylor" and claimed the role depicted her as a pedophile -- so accuracy is definitely her thing.

Kash Doll later defended the role and the show, reminding viewers the show is only loosely based on real life.

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Tonesa appears to be cool with the BET+ biopic as of now ... and, TBH, 50 just gave the competition a great plug!!!

Actress Sophia Lillis I Played Dungeons & Dragons ... Years Before My New Flick!

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ALL THE COOL KIDS PLAY
TMZ.com

"Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" star Sophia Lillis says it was a dream come true to be a part of the tabletop game-based movie ... because she's been rollin' d20s for quite a few years now.

We got the actress Thursday at LAX -- hours before her new movie with Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, and Regé-Jean Page opened wide in theaters -- and she told us there wasn't a whole lotta prep for her role because she's pretty well-versed in the RPG.

Sophia says she was part of a D&D club back in high school, so casting her was a perfect fit. That being said, she says the cast did play together ahead of shooting, and despite her experience ... she says one of her costars took the crown.

We also talked to her about the categories people often lump D&D players into, and she believes the movie will broaden that view ... even for those who've never played a D&D campaign.

Here's hopin' some people will leave the theater as brand-new dungeon masters!

Mark Wahlberg I'd Donate My Thumb To Jose Altuve!!! ... 'I'm A Big Fan'

Mark Wahlberg is diving head-first into his Houston Astros fandom ... going as far as to say he'd donate one of his thumbs to help superstar Jose Altuve get back from his injury!!

The 51-year-old actor is usually a Boston Red Sox fan, but has been supporting the 'Stros due to their ability to wreck the New York Yankees lately. Mark has been welcomed to the H-Town fanbase with open arms ... and even gave the ceremonial "Play Ball!!!" call at Thursday's Opening Day game against the Chicago White Sox.

Before his big moment, Mark raved about Altuve's teammate, Alex Bregman ... calling him a good friend and his "favorite Yankee killer of all time."

"I am an Astros fan," he added. "Listen, I live in Nevada now, I'm a fan of real talent. And, you know what, they have an amazing team, and he has amazing talent, but he's also an amazing person, so I'm a big fan of his, especially."

As for Altuve -- who is out indefinitely after breaking his thumb playing for Venezuela during the World Baseball Classic -- Wahlberg says he's willing to help out.

"I am also willing to donate either one of my thumbs to Jose Altuve, for sure," Wahlberg told reporters. “So we’re all good. I’m a big fan."

Mark wasn't the only celeb in town for the big game -- Megan Thee Stallion also came through to throw the first pitch!!

As for the game, the Astros lost to the White Sox, 3-2.

Sorry, Mark and Meg.

GLAAD Media Awards From Bad Bunny to Diplo to Zaya ... Huge Celebs Show Up, Support LGBTQ+ Issues

The 34th annual GLAAD Media Awards had a huge turnout ... with some of the biggest names in Hollywood coming out and even taking home honors.

This year's show went down Thursday night at the Beverly Hilton ... and it was all about honoring those in media who have been exemplary in highlighting the LGBTQ+ community and its issues.

The L.A. ceremony was hosted by actress/comedian Margaret Cho, and familiar faces in the crowd included Zaya Wade and her stepmom Gabrielle Union, Lisa Ann Walter, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Geena Davis and Vanessa Williams.

Other attendees included Diplo, Orville Peck, Michelle Visage, Billy Eichner, Lance Bass, Jennifer Coolidge, Frankie Grande, Jane Lynch, Chrishell Stause and G Flip.

As far as big winners on the night ... Christina Aguilera, Bad Bunny and Jeremy Pope were among the celebs to take home awards for their efforts.

During the evening, recipients for 15 of 33 categories were announced ... with series like "What We Do in the Shadows" and "The White Lotus" among top winners, along with films such as "Bros" and "A League of Their Own."

The rest of the winners will be announced in May during another ceremony held in NYC, and then the whole event will stream on Hulu beginning April 12.

Dean Cain Lists Malibu Super Home For $7.25M!!!

Dean Cain, who famously played Superman in the '90s, is selling his super snazzy Malibu pad ... TMZ has learned.

The 3,302 sq ft. home has been listed with a $7.25 million price tag ... and by L.A. standards it's well worth the price.

The single-level 4-bedroom, 5-bathroom pad sits along the Malibu coastline and has an amazing ocean view!!!

And, if the blue Pacific isn't enough ... there's a gorgeous pool and a waterfall spa.

The backyard has an expansive grassy yard, perfect for entertaining. There's also a lush garden filled with fruit plants.

Fans will best remember Dean as the famous TV superhero with an "S" on his chest from 1993 to 1997 ... of course, he's also racked up a ton of other acting credits over the years.

The home speaks for itself, but hey, it'd be pretty cool to say Superman handed over the new set of keys!!!

Brian Merrick of Coldwell Banker Malibu has the listing.

Chilli On Matthew Lawrence Marriage Sounds Good to Me!!!

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WEDDING BELLS?
TMZ.com

TLC singer Chilli isn't afraid to put it out there publicly ... telling us she wants to get hitched to "Boy Meets World" star Matthew Lawrence.

We got Chilli Thursday at LAX, and when our photog asked if she thinks she and Matthew will tie the knot in the future she boldly told us, "I hope so."

TMZ broke the story ... Chilli and Matthew officially started dating right before Thanksgiving, and then they spent the holidays together in Atlanta, where he met her family.

She's also met his family, and they keep getting closer.

Matthew recently made it seem like he and Chilli were trying to have a child together, but they've since clarified his comments. In fact, she reiterated to us at LAX ... her man's words were taken out of context.

Regardless, their relationship is clearly going strong ... when Matthew picked up Chilli at LAX earlier this month, they engaged in some full-on PDA.

Bottom line for Chilli ... Matthew's no scrub and she could definitely see them being husband and wife.

Your move, Mr. Lawrence!