Celebrity Extra: Maria Sten in "Reacher"
By Dana Jackson
Q: Is Alan Ritchson leaving "Reacher"? I could have sworn I read this somewhere, but I can't find anything on the internet confirming it. -- K.A.
A: No, Alan Ritchson will be back in the lead role when "Reacher" returns for its fourth season next year. There have been some announcements of cast additions, but Ritchson is staying put. Jay Baruchel ("FUBAR") was set to join the show as a police officer but had to bow out due to personal reasons. Christopher Rodriguez Marquette ("Barry") has since been recast in the role. Also joining the cast are Sydelle Noel ("GLOW"), Marc Blucas ("Swagger"), and Kathleen Robertson ("Swimming with Sharks").
Maria Sten as Frances Neagley in "Reacher". Photo Credit: Courtesy of Amazon Prime Video
The upcoming season of "Reacher" will be based on "Gone Tomorrow," the 13th novel of the bestselling series written by Lee Child. Before it became a series on Amazon Prime Video, Tom Cruise played the role of Jack Reacher in two motion pictures. However, Ritchson matches the height and physique of the character in the books. The show has made the actor a household name. Before landing the part, he had regular roles on shows like "Smallville" (where he played Aquaman), "Titans," and "Blue Mountain State."
Also set for release sometime in 2026 is a "Reacher" spin-off based on the character of security consultant Frances Neagley. The show will star Maria Sten ("Channel Zero"), who originated the role on "Reacher," with Ritchson set for a guest-starring role.
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Q: When is the new "Shrek" movie coming out? Are Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy all returning? -- R.G.
A: Originally set for a December 2026 release, "Shrek 5" has been moved to a June 30, 2027, premiere date because Universal and DreamWorks thought that it would be better suited for a summer release. All three leads -- Myers, Diaz and Murphy -- will voice their iconic roles once again.
Joining them will be Zendaya ("Dune") as Shrek and Fiona's daughter, Felicia, as well as Marcello Hernandez ("Saturday Night Live") and Skyler Gisondo ("Superman") as Felicia's siblings, Fergus and Farkle.
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Q: I read that Tom Sandoval was fighting with his girlfriend at BravoCon. Did he run into his ex Ariana Madix there, too? -- M.G.
A: Former "Vanderpump Rules" cast members Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix had one of the ugliest public breakups after Sandoval was discovered to be cheating with Madix's friend, Rachel Leviss. The only bright spot was that Madix's career soared, landing her a hosting gig of the hit reality dating show "Love Island" and a lead role on Broadway in "Chicago."
There are no reports or photos of the two exes bumping into each other at the three-day fan event in Las Vegas last month. However, there was a cellphone video of "Summer House" star Lindsay Hubbard reportedly breaking up a verbal argument between Sandoval and his current girlfriend, Victoria Lee Robinson. The two are still together, and according to the Daily Dish, the couple will be traveling "all over the place" to visit both of their families during the holiday season.
Send me your questions at NewCelebrityExtra@gmail.com.
(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.