Inside Ariana Grande & Paul Mescal’s box office battle as Wicked and Gladiator 2 go head-to-head during awards season
AFTER deliberately pitching Barbie and Oppenheimer against each other at the box office last year, Hollywood bosses are at it again.
In another savvy move, Gladiator 2, starring Normal People’s Paul Mescal, will hit cinemas on November 15 – just a week before Ariana Grande‘s big-budget adaptation of Broadway classic Wicked.
Much like with Margot Robbie‘s Barbie, the release of Wicked, which also features Cynthia Erivo, is set to be flanked by countless brand deals and stunts to get the nation talking.
Gladiator 2 is also set to be a big money-spinner for execs, who are keen to repeat the success of the original 2000 film starring Russell Crowe.
Sadly I don’t think Wickedator or Gladicked has the same ring to it as Barbenheimer, but I’m excited to see which comes out on top.
PINK has been forced to cancel a massive gig tonight after falling ill.
The US superstar was told by her medical team not to perform in Bern, Switzerland.
Insiders told us she was “gutted” to miss part of the European leg of her Summer Carnival Tour.
A source said: “Pink has been working so hard on the road and the performances are always high octane, with loads of stunts.
“This takes a toll on her and she has been advised to take a break.”
She is due to play in Copenhagen, Denmark, on Saturday.
I CAN reveal the surprising secret behind Salma Hayek‘s wrinkle-free face.
The Hollywood star is a fan of prickly pear oil from Marrakesh, Morocco.
A friend visited the city this month and the shop Herboriste La Sagesse had pictures of Salma with the owner.
They told us she has been buying the £20 oil, which reduces inflammation, for years.
We’ve started ordering in bulk.
I’ll let you know if I start to resemble Salma.
Wishful thinking, I know.
Lourdes cut out to stun
LOURDES LEON had a hole lot of fun at Marc Jacob’s latest fashion show.
Madonna‘s eldest daughter, turned up in a dress that looked as though it had been served up as a banquet for some ravenous moths.
Not many A-listers could get away with a look like this, so all power to Lourdes for pulling it off in style.
Also standing out from the crowd at the New York bash was Cardi B – thanks to her floaty floral dress, mustard yellow tights and Spice Girls-inspired platform heels.
The WAP rapper made the most of her big fashion moment, posing for pictures on the steps of the city’s public library before going inside to spend time with Marc backstage.
MIQUITA MET MESSIAH ON A BOOZE-UP
MOST people remember Miquita Oliver as a former T4 presenter, but perhaps we are underestimating her.
She has claimed she once met Jesus . . . albeit after copious amounts of alcohol – and who knows what else – following a 12-hour squat party in the Nineties.
Unfortunately, Miquita, can’t remember him saying anything, though.
She said on her Miss Me? podcast: “One time we were walking back and I saw Jesus Christ.
“Had a moment with Jesus Christ in the sky.
“I remember exactly.
“The whole sky went yellow.”
Asked what he said to her, she added: “That, I can’t remember.
“I don’t think there was anything said.
“We were just aware of each other.
“Just an agreement: I can see you and you can see me.”
PRINCESS BEATRICE didn’t waste any time after leaving Glastonbury on Sunday morning.
She went straight to watch Kings Of Leon at BST Hyde Park alongside celebrities including Pierce Brosnan and Abbey Clancy.
I’m amazed she made it given the state of the roadworks on the M25.
Frontman Caleb Followill, told the crowd: “It’s such a joy to be here, we haven’t been here in seven years.
“It’s one of my favourite places.”
He added at the end: “I was hoping we’d have fun tonight.
“Didn’t have any idea we’d have this much fun.”
He certainly got the royal seal of approval.
Cami a cosmic talent
I THINK Camila Cabello might have been listening to Cosmic Girl by Jamiroqai, because she looked like a real-life baby Barbarella on a day out in London.
The singer had clearly made a quick recovery from her turn at Glastonbury as she headed to meet her label bosses in London wearing these thigh-high boots, a black jumper and lace miniskirt.
After her incredible set, I’m sure there was a glass of Champagne waiting for Camila when she got to the Universal offices because she absolutely smashed it.
Her whole set from the Other Stage is on BBC iPlayer now and I can highly recommend sticking it on the TV – and turning it up loud.