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IANS News

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Indo-Asian News Service or IANS is a private Indian news agency. The IANS was founded by Indian American publisher Gopal Raju as the India Abroad News Service. It was later renamed the Indo-Asian News Service. The IANS has its main offices located in Noida.

Articles Written By IANS News

Cassandra Peterson wants Dolly Parton for her biopic
1621 days ago
Hollywood

Cassandra Peterson wants Dolly Parton for her biopic

Los Angeles, Dec 31 (IANS) Actress Cassandra Peterson, who is best known for playing 'Elvira: Mistress of the Dark' in the 1988 comedy horror by the same name, has claimed that a movie on her life is currently in the works, adding that she would love to see Dolly Parton play the lead role. ## She said: "There's a biopic, with somebody else playing me. I'm thinking like, Dolly Parton, right? They've got to have the right physical attributes." ## The 70-year-old actress said that she spends the whole year preparing for her favourite holiday, Halloween, which falls on October 31, and has lots of projects in the pipeline that will be out around that time next year, femalefirst.co.uk reported. ## She told SFX magazine: "I'm not kidding, I've got projects in the works right now that will be coming out around Halloween next year and even the following year. So I prepare for it all year round. I think people's perception is that I go to sleep on November 1 and then I come back on October 1 and start working." ## The actress is also keen to get a stage musical version of her most famous work established after many years of trying. ## She said: "And then the third thing I'm trying to do that I've wanted to do for years and years, and I have made little attempts here and there to do, is a Broadway musical of 'Elvira: Mistress Of The Dark.' It'll be something like 'Hairspray' or 'The Rocky Horror Showa'. ## She said that her hopes for a musical were caught up in rights issues, but being relentless means she doesn't plan to give up. ## She added: "I'm pretty much like a pitbull with a bone." ## Her recent appearance in the 2020 animation, 'Happy Halloween, Scooby-Doo!', ignited her passion for wanting to be in animation movies -- and she'd love to see an 'Evira' cartoon sequel. ## She said: "I would love to do an animation project. I don't know when I'm going to fit all that in. I would freakin love to make that movie. If it takes much longer, it's definitely going to have to be animated. Nobody is going to want to see a 90-year-old Elvira." ## Stay tuned.

James Gunn reveals Marvel character who won't be in 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3'
1621 days ago
Hollywood

James Gunn reveals Marvel character who won't be in 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3'

Los Angeles, Dec 31 (IANS) Writer-director James Gunn has revealed to fans that Marvel character Rom the Space Knight won't be appearing in 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3', because Marvel no longer holds the rights to the character. ## A fan wrote on Twitter: "@JamesGunn please make this dream come true! Bring this to the MCU, even if it's just an Easter-Egg on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3." ## Gunn replied: "Alas I cannot as Marvel no longer holds the rights to Rom - just to some other Spaceknights and parts of the story created in the comics - otherwise, believe you me, ol' toaster head would probably be in the Guardians by now." ## 'Expendables' star Terry Crews was particularly disappointed by the news. ## He tweeted: "Damn! I loved the ROM series...!" ## In July, Gunn shared 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3' had "basically been finished for years". ## He said: "It's basically been finished for years. I keep fiddling with different things and adding things, and figuring out permutations and stuff - I'm in the middle of doing another draft now - but it's really small stuff in comparison to what it has been. ## "It's basically been finished since three years ago. The only time they (Marvel) ever (asked me to include something for future MCU movies) was on the first movie with Thanos, putting Thanos in there. Which they wanted me to do. But besides that they've never done that. ## "I know that the characters have been through certain things, so I have to deal with that stuff. But for the most part, they never once asked me to put anything in the script for 'Volume 3' to set up anything in the future. Nor would I do it, frankly, it's not really my thing," he added. ## Stay tuned.

'Sing 2 Review': An adventurous, storybook-style spectacle (Rating: ***)
1622 days ago
Hollywood

'Sing 2 Review': An adventurous, storybook-style spectacle (Rating: ***)

Film: Sing 2 (Showing in Theatres). Duration: 110 minutes## Director: Garth Jennings. Voice Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Taron Egerton, Seth MacFarlane, Tori Kelly, Nick Kroll, Bobby Cannavale, Halsey, Pharrell Williams, Chelsea Peretti, Letitia Wright, and Eric Andre.## IANS Rating: *** (By Troy Ribeiro)## Mounted like an adventurous, storybook-style spectacle, 'Sing 2' takes place sometime later after the events of its 2016 prequel.## Set in the glitzy showbiz town of Redshore city, Buster Moon (Matthew McConaughey), hoping to launch a bigger and flashier musical act, gathers together much of the same old cast consisting of Ash (Scarlett Johansson), the porcupine who's the first to answer his call; Johnny (Taron Egerton), the gorilla who gets a dance sequence in the new show but can't master his moves until he pairs up with Lynx (Letitia Wright); Gaunter (Nick Kroll), a passionate dancing pig who partners with Rosita (Reese Witherspoon), the momma pig who has basically achieved all that she wanted; and Meena (Tori Kelly), the shy elephant who can't work up any chemistry with her self-absorbed singing partner Darius (Eric Andre), the yak.## Together, after failing to impress talent scout Suki (Chelsea Peretti), for one of the local talent events, they sneak in for an audition with entertainment mogul Jimmy Crystal (Bobby Cannavale), who is totally uninterested in Moon's original show-pitch. But after Gunter tells him about "a spectacular show that will take your audience out-of-the-world", Jimmy is hooked and greenlights the show to Moon with a clause.## The show should be up within the next three weeks and feature the recluse rock star Clay Calloway (Bono), the white-maned, aged lion who has not been seen in the circuit for the past 15 years after his wife passed away. How Moon accidentally promises something he isn't sure he can deliver and actually succeeds in his mission forms the crux of this story.## Despite a predictable narrative that drags in the middle, what makes the film appealing are the colourful anthropomorphic creatures and the wonderful songs they sing.## The number of characters and eye-catching pieces fill up the screen impressively. There is a grand musical number which is the highlight of the film. Also, the goofy dialogues offer profound life lessons that are either motivational or uplifting.## The voices of the ace star cast lend the right amount of dramatics to the characters.## Visually, the film is exciting, and it is easy to lose yourself in the telling. The animation is spectacular, with all animals faithfully created, looking appealing and truly alive. Also, each frame is vibrant and colourful. The action sequences add that extra punch to the narrative.## Overall, the film is a fun entertainer that will wow children and adults alike.## Stay tuned...

Arnold Schwarzenegger donates 25 houses to homeless veterans
1622 days ago
Hollywood

Arnold Schwarzenegger donates 25 houses to homeless veterans

Los Angeles, Dec 31 (IANS) Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger has donated 25 houses to homeless veterans in Los Angeles, after teaming up with the Village for Vets programme. ## Schwarzenegger paid $250,000 to purchase the structures, located in West Los Angeles, according to Fox11, and donated them to those who previously fought in the US armed forces but are now facing homelessness, reports femalefirst.co.uk. ## The 74-year-old actor tweeted about it. ## He wrote: "Today, I celebrated Christmas early. The 25 homes I donated for homeless veterans were installed here in LA. It was fantastic to spend some time with our heroes and welcome them into their new homes. ## "I want to thank @villageforvets for arranging the homes and being a fantastic partner, @secvetaffairs, @amvetshq and everyone who worked with us and made this possible. We proved that when we all work together, we can solve any problem." ## One veteran named Bruce Henry Cooper told Fox11 the project had been a "life-saver" for him and other homeless veterans this Christmas. ## He added of the 'Kindergarten Cop' actor: "He has not forgotten us." ## The Village for Vets project has been working with retired service members who have resorted to living on the streets since 2016, by setting them up with tiny houses that are fully equipped with water, heating, electricity and air conditioning. ## Schwarzenegger also told Fox11 in an interview that he considered the joy he felt after his charitable deed to be "the greatest Christmas gift" he could have received. ## He said: "It makes me feel good that I can give something back to this country that has given everything to me. I had this great success, only because of America a Whatever I tackled, I achieved because of America, so to me it's always great to give something back." ## Stay tuned.

Avicii's diaries reveal mental health struggles before suicide
1622 days ago
Hollywood

Avicii's diaries reveal mental health struggles before suicide

Los Angeles, Dec 31 (IANS) Late Swedish EDM star Avicii's diaries have been reproduced in Mans Mosesson's upcoming book titled 'Tim - The Official Biography of Avicii' and they give an insight into his health issues and mental health struggles. ## Avicii, whose real name was Tim Bergling, was just 28 when he took his own life during a holiday in Oman three years ago but he suffered with alcohol and drug addiction following his ascent to fame, reports femalefirst.co.uk. ## Now, his diaries have been reproduced in Mosesson's upcoming book and they give an insight into his health issues, including being rushed to hospital in January 2012 after developing pancreatitis - caused by excessive drinking and acne medication. ## Avicii was warned that another drink would kill him and he turned to his diaries to share his feelings, including his relief at ending up in hospital. ## He wrote: "I had a hard time accepting never drinking again though strongly suggested from all doctors to wait at least a year before even having a beer. ## "Of course, I didn't listen to the majority of the doctors, I listened to the couple who said it was ok if I was careful. I was ignorant and naive and touring the world, still on the never-ending tour - because once you've circled it once, guess what? ## "You start right back over again. Those days in hospital were the most anxiety and stress-free days I can remember the past six years, those were my true vacations, as depressing as it might sound. ## "The relief of going from extreme pain to none, knowing that no one is expecting anything other than for you to wait it out (which is the only way of treating pancreatitis) and then recover was huge. It was an extreme relief considering the insane schedule I had kept up until that point." ## He shared his experiences at rehab in 2015 and implored his future self to deal with his pain. ## "It needed to be explained to me very logically and caveman-esque for me to truly understand its nature and how it was harming me. Ouch, pain. Why me pain now? Uncomfortable feeling... ## "Future Tim deal with pain. Future Tim deal with pain better than present Tim because already there's too many present pains more urgent to deal with," he had said. ## Avicii also took up meditation to combat his demons and quickly became obsessed with it. ## "It feels like I am in a new default mode of being which is very new and a little bit scary. It felt like the fears the last couple of days caused havoc in me, but I remember the tip to focus on my breathing." ## Stay tuned.

Anthony Hopkins-starrer 'The Father' gets top award at Chinese film fest
1622 days ago
Hollywood

Anthony Hopkins-starrer 'The Father' gets top award at Chinese film fest

Los Angeles, Dec 31 (IANS) The Chinese government-backed Golden Rooster Awards honoured Oscar-winning drama 'The Father' with the event's first-ever prize for best international film in the coastal city of Xiamen. ## Beijing hopes that its star-studded awards ceremony can surpass the Taipei-based Golden Horse Awards, once known as the "Oscars of Asia" for Chinese-language content. ## This year, the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival, which kicked off Tuesday, added the international film competition category for the first time, reports variety.com. ## This year's 34th iteration honors films screened theatrically in China between July 1, 2020 and July 15, 2021. ## 'The Father' beat out animation 'Wolfwalkers', World War II drama 'Persian Lessons', Italy's live-action 'Pinocchio' and the Thai drama 'Happy Old Year'. ## The film grossed $4.14 million in China in June nearly double the $2.12 million it earned in the US. ## Veteran helmer Zhang Yimou was the most decorated of this year's ceremony, with his two films 'Cliff Walkers' and 'One Second' bringing home four of the top prizes. ## Zhang won best director for his work on spy thriller 'Cliff Walkers', which also netted a best actor win for his lead, Zhang Yi. Beijing had selected the film as this year's submission to the Academy Awards. The director's Cultural Revolution-set 'One Second' won best supporting actor (Fan Wei) and best sound. ## The prize for best feature film went to jingoistic local drama 'Island Keeper', a film created as an ode to the 100th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Communist party based on the real-life story of a couple who face hardships to guard China's coastline. Fellow 100th anniversary title '1921' took home gold with best screenplay. ## Zhang Xiaofei won best actress for her work as the titular mom in the Chinese New Year hit 'Hi, Mom', while Zhu Yuanyuan won best supporting actress for her work in family drama 'My Sister'. ## Stay tuned.

Jessica Henwick Almost Quit Acting Before Landing 'Matrix' Role
1622 days ago
Hollywood

Jessica Henwick Almost Quit Acting Before Landing 'Matrix' Role

London, Dec 30 (IANS) Actress Jessica Henwick has shared that she was in a "weird space" prior to finding stardom and almost gave up on her acting dreams just before taking on the role of Bugs in 'The Matrix Resurrections'.## She said: "I just took a second to think, 'Am I doing this because I still want to do it and I love it, or am I doing this because it's what I'm used to?' And so, I stopped and I decided to get out of town and I bought a one-way ticket to France. And then, I just started walking".## The 'Knives Out 2' star took herself on a 40-day hike in an effort to clear her head when in-between acting roles, just before receiving the offer to star alongside Keanu Reeves in the latest 'Matrix' movie, reports femalefirst.co.uk.## She told Film: "I just started hiking and I was halfway through a 40-day hike. I turned on my phone, it was near my birthday and I wanted to tell everyone I was alive, and I got an email saying, 'Would you like to audition for the Matrix?' And I just said no, because I hadn't finished the hike and I hadn't come to an answer yet of what I wanted to do in my life.## "I turned it down. (So I) made a self-tape, flew to America a couple of days later, tested with Yahya (Abdul-Mateen II, who plays a "completely different" version of Morpheus in 'The Matrix Resurrections'), and had the phone call from (director) Lana Wachowski a few days after that".## Meanwhile, Henwick recently revealed she took a part in 'Knives Out 2' so she could study Rian Johnson's filmmaking style.## She will appear in the murder mystery sequel and admits that she was desperate to get his advice as she was helming a short film at the time.## She said: "The main reason I really signed on was that I actually wanted to study him. I was directing a short film ('Bus Girl') at the same time, which he very kindly was able to take a break in the schedule for me to fly home, shoot and then fly back to set.## "So he let me shadow him on and off throughout production, and he gave me directing advice. So it was just the best time".## Henwick explained how she has been a fan of Rian since watching his directorial debut 'Brick' during a film class and revealed that the director was "morally obliged" to cast her in the 'Knives Out' sequel after she was cut from his film 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi'.## The 'Underwater' actress recalled: "When I was a teenager, I watched 'Brick' in school and I loved it. So I wrote (Rian Johnson) a fan email, and he never responded.## "Cut to seven years later, I'm in 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens', and I'm meant to go back to 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi'. But Rian cuts me out of the project!"## She continued: "Cut to this year, I finally got sent this script and I was like, 'Put me in coach. Give me a Zoom. I don't care if I get it. I just want to speak to Rian'. So I revealed all of this to him. I was like, 'I have a bone to pick with you!' And of course, he was forced - he was morally obligated - to cast me in 'Knives Out'."## Stay tuned...

Justin Bieber, Hailey Bieber 'feel ready for parenthood'
1623 days ago
Hollywood

Justin Bieber, Hailey Bieber 'feel ready for parenthood'

Los Angeles, Dec 30 (IANS) Pop singer Justin Bieber and supermodel Hailey Bieber think it's their "destiny" to have kids together. ## A source told Us Weekly: "Babies are definitely on the brain." ## Bieber, who previously dated fellow pop star Selena Gomez, and Baldwin are both keen to start a family, and they are "definitely ready" for the challenge of parenthood, reports femalefirst.co.uk. ## The insider explained: "They both feel like it's their destiny to have kids together and they are definitely ready." ## The 'Sorry' hitmaker has earlier spoken about his ambition to become a dad one day. ## Bieber admitted earlier this year that he hoped to "squish out a nugget" before the end of 2021. ## Bieber said: "My intention for 2021 is to continue to set goals and have fun while doing them. Make sure I put my family first and hopefully we squish out a nugget." ## Bieber subsequently said that he wanted to "start trying" at the end of 2021. And in response, his wife said: "We shall see." ## Baldwin has also spoken of her ambition to have kids with Bieber. ## However, in an interview in 2018, the model insisted that they weren't in a rush to start a family. ## She explained at the time: "I love kids and I can't wait to have my own, I would say that now, that's a closer reality, but definitely not anytime soon." ##

LL Cool J cancels 'New Year's Rockin' Eve' performance after testing positive for Covid
1623 days ago
Hollywood

LL Cool J cancels 'New Year's Rockin' Eve' performance after testing positive for Covid

Los Angeles, Dec 30 (IANS) Two-time Grammy Award winner LL Cool J has pulled out of this year's 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2022' after testing positive for Covid-19. ## The special, which is marking its 50th anniversary this year, is still moving forward as planned with hosts Seacrest and Liza Koshy, but will have to make an adjustment due to the hip-hop star's absence, reports variety.com. ## "I know it's disappointing to the millions of fans but my test came back positive for Covid, which means I'll no longer be able to perform as scheduled at 'New Year's Rockin' Eve,'" LL Cool J said in a statement. ## He added: "We were ready and I was really looking forward to ringing in 2022 in my hometown in a special way, but for now I wish everyone a healthy and happy new year. The best is yet to come!" ## As per plan, 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee LL Cool J was set to perform some of his hits from the New Year's Rockin' Eve stage in Times Square. Also, no longer performing will be Chlöe, who had been scheduled to sing her track 'Have Mercy'. ## Still set to perform are Journey performing a medley of hits and Latin recording artist Karol G. ## This year's event will also include a New Orleans segment, featuring co-host Billy Porter performing his new single, and a Spanish-language countdown from Puerto Rico, with co-host Roselyn Sanchez, along with a performance by Daddy Yankee. ## Previously announced Los Angeles performers (in pre-taped segments) include AJR and Daisy The Great; Avril Lavigne and Travis Barker; Big Boi with Sleepy Brown; Don Omar with Nio Garcia; French Montana; Macklemore and Ryan Lewis with singer Windser; Maneskin; Mae Muller with Polo G; Polo G; Masked Wolf; OneRepublic; and Walker Hayes. ## The LA segments are hosted by Ciara, with Club Quarantine's D-Nice as DJ. ##

Dwayne Johnson turns down Vin Diesel's invitation to rejoin 'Fast & Furious'
1623 days ago
Hollywood

Dwayne Johnson turns down Vin Diesel's invitation to rejoin 'Fast & Furious'

Los Angeles, Dec 30 (IANS) Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson has publicly declined 'Fast & Furious' series actor Vin Diesel's request to rejoin the action franchise for its upcoming 10th mainline entry. ## In November, Diesel extended an invitation to Johnson on Instagram, imploring the latter to reprise his role as secret agent Lucas Hobbs for the next entry in the series, reports variety.com. ## "The world awaits the finale of 'Fast 10'," Diesel wrote. ## He added: "As you know, my children refer to you as Uncle Dwayne in my house. There is not a holiday that goes by that they and you don't send well wishes but the time has come. Legacy awaits. I told you years ago that I was going to fulfill my promise to Pablo. I swore that we would reach and manifest the best Fast in the finale that is 10!" ## In a new interview with CNN, Johnson responded to the request, criticising Diesel for voicing an invite on social media after the two had already reached an agreement in private. ## "I told (Diesel) directly that I would not be returning to the franchise. I was firm yet cordial with my words and said that I would always be supportive of the cast and always root for the franchise to be successful, but that there was no chance I would return," Johnson explained. ## "Vin's recent public post was an example of his manipulation. I didn't like that he brought up his children in the post, as well as Paul Walker's death. Leave them out of it. We had spoken months ago about this and came to a clear understanding." ## However, Johnson went on to express his well wishes for the 'Fast & Furious' family ahead of their next, and ostensibly penultimate, outing. ## "My goal all along was to end my amazing journey with this incredible franchise with gratitude and grace," Johnson said. ## He added: "It's unfortunate that this public dialogue has muddied the waters. Regardless, I'm confident in the 'Fast' universe and its ability to consistently deliver for the audience. I truly wish my former co-stars and crew members the best of luck and success in the next chapter." ## Johnson joined the 'Fast & Furious' franchise with 2011's 'Fast Five'. ## At first, his Agent Hobbs is an antagonist to Diesel's Dominic Toretto, though Johnson's character later joins his family of physics-defying heroes. ## Johnson bowed out of the mainline series following his appearance in 2017's 'The Fate of the Furious', teaming up with Jason Statham to headline a spin-off, 2019's 'Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw'. ## Stay tuned.

Kanye West trying very hard to rekindle romance with Kim Kardashian
1623 days ago
Hollywood

Kanye West trying very hard to rekindle romance with Kim Kardashian

Los Angeles, Dec 30 (IANS) Rapper Kanye West is desperate to rekindle his romance with Kim Kardashian and he recently bought a $4.5 million home on the same street as his estranged wife. ## A source told 'Entertainment Tonight': "Kanye really wanted to buy a home near Kim and their kids to be close to them. Kanye saw a house on Kim's block was on the market and jumped at the chance to get it." ## He feels it will be "easier to co-parent with Kim if they live close to each other", reports femalefirst.co.uk. ## The 'Stronger' hitmaker also "wants to win" Kim back. ## The source added: "Kanye believes he still has a chance. Kim is fine with Kanye buying the home because she feels like it will be easier to co-parent and watch their kids in privacy." ## Kim is currently dating comedy star Pete Davidson, and their burgeoning romance is said to have "escalated quickly" in recent weeks. ## Kim and Davidson started dating earlier this year after meeting on the set of 'Saturday Night Live' and their relationship is said to be "getting serious". ## A source recently explained: "Kim and Pete are getting serious. Things have definitely escalated quickly but in a healthy, fun way. Right now, they are just enjoying their time together and seeing where things go. ## "Kim doesn't want to rush into anything too serious but she is enjoying the early stages (of her new relationship with Pete). They are super smitten over each other though, that's for sure." ##

Reese Witherspoon, Shailene Woodley, Denis Villeneuve mourn Jean-Marc Vallee
1625 days ago
Hollywood

Reese Witherspoon, Shailene Woodley, Denis Villeneuve mourn Jean-Marc Vallee

Los Angeles, Dec 28 (IANS) Hollywood stars Reese Witherspoon, Shailene Woodley and Denis Villeneuve have remembered Canadian director Jean-Marc Vallee who died on Saturday. ## Vallee, who directed films such as 'Dallas Buyers Club' and 'Wild' and helmed TV projects including 'Big Little Lies' and 'Sharp Objects', died suddenly at his cabin outside Quebec City, Canada on Saturday. He was 58 years old, reports variety.com. ## "I am in shock. Complete and utter shock," 'Big Little Lies' actress Shailene Woodley wrote in an Instagram story. ## "I guess somehow I know you will turn it into a grand adventure and one of the books, one I can't wait to read and watch when my time comes. It doesn't make sense though, dude. It doesn't make sense. Maybe when we wake up tomorrow you'll be there laughing saying it was just a satirical short film you made. That it's not real." ## Canadian director Tanya Lapointe shared a tribute from her husband, fellow Quebecois filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, on Instagram. ## "How must I forget these lonesome tears in my eyes? As you told me before: go out there and shine, crazy diamond!" wrote Villeneuve. ## "I love you my friend." ## "Jean-Marc Vallee's passion for his work is equally matched by the care and consideration he showed to everyone he collaborated with," Endeavor Content said in a statement. ## The production company had partnered with Vallee's Crazyrose on 'Lady in the Lake' and 'The Player's Table'. ## "We are honoured to have worked with him as a producing partner and as a friend. On behalf of our colleagues, our productions, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his sons, family, Nathan Ross and the entire Crazyrose team." ## 'Big Little Lies' and 'Wild' star Reese Witherspoon wrote: "My heart is broken. My friend. I love you." ## Laura Dern, who also worked with Vallee on 'Big Little Lies' and 'Wild', mourned the director as "one of our great and purest artists and dreamers." ## "It's hard to imagine someone as vital, energetic, and present as Jean-Marc being gone. I'm shattered," Nicole Kidman wrote. "He was at the center of my creative universe and I can't overstate his significance to me." ## Vallee's publicist Bumble Ward conveyed her own shock over the news. ## "What you may not know is that he was sweet and kind, full of gratitude, remembered birthdays and sent awesome mixtapes, while still being a creative genius," Ward wrote. ##