Robin Hood is a folk hero. If there was a real Robin Hood, he might have been from Nottingham, or he might have been from Yorkshire (the earliest stories feature both). He might have lived in the reign of King Richard, or King John, or even later. Centuries after he might have lived, he gained a noble background as the Earl of either Locksley or Huntingdon, though of course he always ends up living as an outlaw in Sherwood Forest with his Merry Men.His stories survive because while they can be dramatic, tragic, and meaningful, they are also fun, exciting and entertaining. The very best screen Robin Hoods combine sincerity and dramatic chops with a sense of fun and a personality that is larger than life, because the Robin Hood of legend is not a real person, but an exaggerated, mythologised echo of a real person. So here we present our ranking of some of the best or most notorious! screen portrayals of Robin Hood. This is not a complete list of everyone who has ever played Robin Hood, because that would be a very long list! The 1950s TV star Richard Greenes Robin Hood was left out for being hard to find these days, for example, and the Keira Knightley-starringPrincess of Thievesdidnt make the cut as Robin Hood himself is a much more minor character there (though fans of obscure early noughties TV movies should definitely check it out!).14. Taron Egerton inRobin Hood(2018)Its hard for any actor, however good they are, to stand out in a bad movie, and this is, regrettably, a bad movie. Taron Egertons Robin Hood is a bit of a blank slate, with just a touch of Egertons character Eggsy from theKingsmanmovies. He spins, he jumps, he uses a bow and arrow as if it were a gun. None of it makes much sense, which is not Egertons fault, but his Robin just doesnt have anything especially interesting about him to make him stand out from the terrible movie he is stuck in.13. Rik Mayall inBlackadder: Back and ForthThe BBCs sitcomBlackadderhad come to an emotional conclusion with the end ofBlackadder Goes Forthin 1989, but it came back for one final episode for the turn of the millennium, and this time Blackadder and Baldrick went time travelling in a machine designed by Leonardo da Vinci and built by Baldrick. One of the periods of British history they dropped in on was Robin Hood and his Merry Men. Rik Mayalls Robin is therefore a two-dimensional comedy skit who is onscreen for only a few minutes, and his Robin is modelled after his character from the sitcom, Lord Flashheart. Flashheart is an overblown, egotistical aristocrat who lives to make barking noises and have enthusiastic relations with beautiful young women. Its daft, but its very funny, and the aristocratic, Maid Marian-fixated Robin Hood of some of the later stories is a decent template to put Flashhearts character on.12. Russell Crowe inRobin Hood(2010)Look, technically speaking, it does not matter what accent Robin Hood has. Just take a look at some of the higher placed Robin Hoods on this list. Historically speaking, not only might Robin Hood have been from either Nottingham or Yorkshire, his accent would have sounded completely different from any modern English accent anyway. But itdoesmatter if the actor playing him adopts an accent that is so distractingly weird, its all anyone talks about. And when his Robin is a bit dour and glum on top of that, lacking the characters trademark wit, humour, and easy laughter, a low-ranked Robin like Russell Crowes in Ridley Scotts revisionist movie is what you end up with.11. Adam Morris inMaid Marian and her Merry MenThis BBC childrens sitcom was written by Tony Robinson, a.k.a. Baldrick from Blackadder, who played the Sherriff of Nottingham, and for some of us, this was our introduction to Robin Hood. Adam Morriss Robin is Maid Marians sidekick, and while she takes care of plans, strategies, and carrying out their overall mission to help the poor peasants of Worksop (a real village near Nottingham), Robin, otherwise not the sharpest tool in the box, is in charge of making sure they all look fabulous in their Lincoln green outfits. Its hardly a classic take on the legendary character, but it is very funny and is a good bit of comedic revisionism.10. Jonas Armstrong inRobin Hood(BBC)When the BBCs new take on Robin Hood came out in 2006, it was known derisively as hoody Robin Hood, which is an odd criticism when you think about it, since wearing a hood at some point is Robins most defining feature. The critics meant, of course, that Robin Hood was being depicted as a modern youth more than a medieval knight (there was a lot of hand-wringing going on in the British press at the time about young people in hoodies hanging around malls and parks). The modernising of the story was controversial then, but pales in comparison to the bizarre scenes of petrol bombs and riot police inflicted on it by the 2018 film, and so seems much less extreme now. Jonas Armstrongs Robin Hood is a likeable take on the character and a solid central performance for the show. He doesnt have the larger than life vibe of a legendary character, being almost a bit too grounded, and hes a bit over-shadowed by Richard Armitages Sherriff of Nottingham, but hes fine to watch.9. Richard Todd inThe Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie MenNowthisis a recognisable Robin Hood. He is likeable, lively, and energetic, with a twinkle in his eye. Richard Todd was capable of a solid dramatic range (his final line inDambusters, I have some letters to write, will break your heart) but he is not really asked to do that here, even in the more dramatic scenes. His Robin is something of a Robin-Hood-by-the-numbers, taking the performances of Douglas Fairbanks and Errol Flynn and reproducing them with a 1950s hairstyle. Its good take on the character, but very derivative.8. Brian Bedford inRobin Hood(1973)Like a lot of Disney films, this classic animated take on the story opens with some self-conscious framing of the whole thing as, first and foremost, a good story. Alan-a-Dale in the form of a chicken tells us that the animal kingdom have their own stories about the hero Robin Hood. Brian Bedford, voicing Robin in the form of a fox, largely has to play straight man to Phil Harris (American-accented) Little John, and Peter Ustinov and Terry-Thomass scene-stealing villains Prince John and Sir Hiss. The fact that Bedford manages to give Robin his characteristic twinkle and sense of playfulness through his voice, while up against such larger-than-life performances, is a great compliment to him.7. Douglas Fairbanks inRobin Hood(1922)The one Robin Hood who never had to worry about his accent! This 1922 silent film more or less created the modern legend of Robin Hood as we know it, and then the Errol Flynn talkie from 1938 popularised it. With no spoken dialogue and limited dialogue on cards, Fairbanks Robin cant embrace the witty patter of later Robin Hoods, so he has to lean heavily into the swashbuckling action instead. The action, pre-Hays Code (content guidelines self-imposed by Hollywood studies between 1934 and 1968), is frenetic, energetic, and surprisingly brutal in places. Fairbanks Robin laughs gleefully at people he is shooting at, which is an attempt to get his humour and generaljoie de vivreacross without dialogue but does come across as a tiny bit sadistic. Even so, Fairbanks pointy-hatted, athletic Robin is the forerunner of all the modern Robin Hoods, and deserves to be recognised as such.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!6. Tom Riley inDoctor Who: Robot of SherwoodTom Rileys Robin has a difficult job to do throughout this episode ofDoctor Who, because his existence is designed to bring up the question of whether Robin Hood is a completely fictional legend, or a real person. The Twelfth Doctor is absolutely convinced that Robin Hood is just a story, and when he meets him, he assumes something strange, probably involving aliens, is going on. The rather brilliant twist is that this completely typical Robin Hood, with his jaunty hat, green outfit, bow and arrow, and his charming, witty, and flirty personality, is actually a real historical person, much to the Doctors surprise. This means that Riley has to play a very stereotypical version of the character, while keeping him just grounded enough that the reveal works, a difficult job that he pulls off very effectively.5. Cary Elwes inRobin Hood: Men in TightsAlthough the main target of this classic Mel Brooks spoof is 1991sRobin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Elwes Robin has hints of other Robin Hoods in his character as well, especially Errol Flynns famous swashbuckler. Elwes Robin is just the right balance of silly and competent, daft and sincere, for a satirical lead. As his character points out in one of his most famous lines, being English, he can indeed speak in a perfect English accent (unlike some other Robin Hoods) and he does a pretty good impression of Winston Churchill when giving a speech as well.4. Michael Praed inRobin of SherwoodAnother show that was many viewers first introduction to the legend,Robin of Sherwoodis a more serious take on the story. The early ballads of Robin Hood are unusual in that they include little to no material that is magical or fantastical (unlike, for example, stories about King Arthur). The makers ofRobin of Sherwood obviously thought that was a major flaw and introduced elements of early British paganism and mythology into the story, like the mysterious figure of Herne the Hunter. Fitting into this more mystical and gritty take, Michael Praeds Robin is a much more serious figure than most. The twinkle in his eye is less present, and this Robin certainly wont be cackling with laughter while shooting at people like Fairbanks. Praeds Robin is more quietly heroic, and the action is more serious and dangerous. Its a good performance and a refreshing and interesting take on the character, but a Robin Hood who is this serious will always be missing some of that essential sparkle that makes him fun.3. Sean Connery inRobin and MarianStories about Robin Hoods death go back to the earliest ballads. This is not the only version of the story on this list that kills him off the BBCsRobin Hoodended their show that way, having already shocked viewers by killing off Maid Marian, andRobin of Sherwoodmake a virtue of Praed leaving at the end of season two by having his Robin of Loxley be killed and replaced by Seans own son Jason Connerys Robert of Huntingdon. But Robin and Marian is the version that is closest to the plot of those early ballads, and it features a much older Robin Hood and Maid Marian (played by Audrey Hepburn). Connery the Elders Robin complete with Scottish accent, of course is a more complex and melancholic take on the character, but Connerys performance keeps a bit of a twinkle in his eye that suggests he was once the joyful, larger than life character we all know and love.2. Kevin Costner inRobin Hood: Prince of ThievesKevin Reynolds, the director ofRobin Hood: Prince of Thieves, caught something that Ridley Scott missed when he made his 2010 version of this story. Robin Hoods accent only matters if its distractingly bad. Costner had attempted an English accent at first, but when Reynolds realised the results were less than convincing, he switched to using Costners natural American accent instead (which, historians of language have suggested, might be closer to a medieval English accent anyway!). Accent out of the way, Costners Robin Hood was a runaway success because he blends the four essential aspects of the character beautifully action and over-the-top heroics (launch him from a catapult!), romance, a witty and twinkly sense of humour, and the ability to emote seriously and dramatically when needed. Where Fairbanks is not quite serious enough, Praed is too serious, Connerys older Robin a bit less action-oriented, and Elwes spoof not quite as sincerely romantic as hisPrincess Bridecharacter, Costners much-mocked American Robin Hood may not be good at geography (Hadrians Wall is noten routeto Sherwood Forest from the south coast) but he is an almost perfect blend of the legendary characters essential qualities. Almost, but not quite1. Errol Flynn inThe Adventures of Robin HoodThere could only be one Robin Hood at the top of this list. Errol Flynns Robin from Michael Curtiz and William Keighleys 1938 Technicolour talkie perfectly encapsulates everything that has made this character beloved for centuries. He is romantic, winning over Olivia de Havilands Marian with both charm and sincerity. He can bring the drama when he needs to, as he does in the scene where he shows Marian the ways Guy of Gisbornes men have been abusing their power, torturing and attacking the poor of Nottingham and Sherwood. He is witty and full of verve and humour, laughing a lot and cracking wise whenever he gets the chance. And of course, this is Errol Flynn the swashbuckling action is second to none. Heavily inspired by the Fairbanks film, but with the restrictive Hays Code now in place, it is a bit less brutal, and the sword-fighting may occasionally pause for a bit of dialogue, but the action is otherwise dramatic and compelling to watch. Flynn even manages to pull off the iconic hat and bright green Technicolour costumes without looking silly. The perfect Robin Hood.

Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, the Xbox App on Windows PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Lets jump in!33 Immortals (Game Preview)Thunder LotusGet it now33 Immortals (Game Preview) March 18Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere/ Game Pass Ultimate / PC Game PassA co-op action-roguelike for 33 players. Play as a damned soul, and rebel against Gods final judgment. Dive straight into epic, 33-player co-op battles with instant pick-up and raid matchmaking. Cooperate with your allies to survive against hordes of monsters and massive, challenging bosses. Expand your arsenal and equip powerful new relics to permanently upgrade your soul.MLB The Show 25 Standard Edition (Preorder)MLB$69.99Pre-orderMLB The Show 25 March 18Forge your baseball journey in The Show. Ignite your passion and build your very own path to greatness, from high school all the way to the Hall of Fame! Along the way, connect with iconic baseball stars in fan-favorite modes updated with new ways to play. You can start playing today by picking up MLB The Show 25 Digital Deluxe Edition.Scrap DiversTernoxGet it nowScrap Divers March 18Dive into an incredibly fast-paced and beautifully crafted retro runner! Control your robot with just a finger to dodge sawblades, flames and many other dangerous obstacles while flying through an infinite tunnel. Are you ready for the drop? Parachute not included.Boomerforge (Series X)Synnergy Circle GamesGet it nowBoomerforge March 19Optimized for Xbox Series X|SBoomerforge is a top-down strategy game inspired by the classic game Bomberman. Place bombs strategically to open the path and find all the required ores. Explode the ores with your bombs to find iron, gold or mithril ingots. Gather everything you can and keep going until Grimfur finally reaches the end of the dungeon.KinnikuNeko: SUPER MUSCLE CATMameshiba Games$17.99Pre-orderKinnikuNeko: Super Muscle Cat March 19Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryGet ready to enjoy this crazy 2D platformer adventure starring KinnikuNeko! A cat with the body of a bodybuilder who will fight against a big alien army that has invaded planet Earth and captured all its inhabitants. He will be accompanied by his friends Lemon and Keita, who havent yet been captured by evil beings from outer space.S. Prysm DestroyerEastasiasoft LimitedGet it nowS. Prysm Destroyer March 19Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryS. Prysm Destroyer is a side-scrolling 2.5D shooter inspired by run n gun genre classics and mecha anime. Blast through enemy hordes and collect elemental power-ups to unleash the awesome potential of Prysm Destroyer attacks. Chase high scores through skillful play and unlock loads of costumes for Amor!Stellar Docks: Deep SpaceAfil GamesGet it nowStellar Docks: Deep Space March 19Optimized for Xbox Series X|SEmbark on an interstellar puzzle adventure in Stellar Docks, a grid-based logic game featuring charming 2D pixel art. Guide an astronaut as they push drones to their charging docks across challenging maps filled with strategic puzzles. With a top-down view and intuitive controls, the game offers a satisfying progression that will test your problem-solving skills. From the interiors of a spaceship to the icy landscapes of Neptune, explore diverse environments and unravel intricate challenges that push your mastery of each mechanic.1-Bit DungeonOld School VibesGet it now1-Bit Dungeon March 20Optimized for Xbox Series X|S1-Bit Dungeon is a fast-paced 2D action platformer that blends crisp 1-bit pixel art with modern game design. Tight controls, intense combat, and a rewarding difficulty curve await those brave enough to enter. Dodge with precision, learn enemy attack patterns, and strike at the right moment to defeat monsters, ghosts, and slimes in brutal sword-based combat.Assassins Creed ShadowsUbisoftGet it nowAssassins Creed Shadows March 20Optimized for Xbox Series X|SExperience an epic historical action-adventure story set in feudal Japan! Become a lethal ninja assassin and a powerful legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open world in a time of chaos. Switch seamlessly between two unlikely allies as you discover their common destiny. Master complementary playstyles, create your shinobi league, customize your hideout, and usher in a new era for Japan.SleddersBonus Stage OyGet it nowSledders March 20Optimized for Xbox Series X|SShred your sled in open-world backcountries. Sledders is a realistic, physics-based snowmobile simulator. Maneuver the big open terrain, plow through tons of fresh snow, conquer the mountains, and reach the peak faster than your friends!The Answer Is 42Mens Sana InteractiveGet it nowThe Answer is 42 March 21Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryYes, 42 is the Answer to the ultimate question! As this is inevitable, dont fight against it, and decipher the fundamental answer in all levels in this game. Bring your towel and master the secret of Life.Atelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned LandKOEI TECMO AMERICA4$69.99Pre-orderAtelier Yumia: The Alchemist of Memories & the Envisioned Land March 21Optimized for Xbox Series X|SIn a world where alchemy is deemed taboo, the alchemist Yumia yearns for the truth, hidden in a ruined continent. The time has come for her to take the first step on her grand adventure. Atelier Yumia tells the story of Yumia and her companions as they follow the path they believe in while being confronted by the memories they discover along the way.BLEACH Rebirth of Souls Pre-OrderBandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.$59.99Pre-orderBleach: Rebirth of Souls March 21Optimized for Xbox Series X|SAwaken the blade within you and reverse your fate in Bleach Rebirth of Souls! Engage in thrilling battles with powerful sword abilities and characters from this legendary anime franchise. Choose your favorite character and unleash their unique sword abilities! Take advantage of each characters unique abilities and command the flow of battle to find an opening that spells defeat for your enemies.Hero's HourForever Entertainment S. A.Get it nowHeros Hour March 21Optimized for Xbox Series X|SHeros Hour is an accessible, yet-deep and content-rich Strategy Roleplaying Game. Take control of your hero, explore the world, build up your town, fight fast-paced battles, level up your hero and amass an army large enough to take out the opponents before they take you out.The Last Hero: Journey to the UnknownRatalaika Games S.L.Get it nowThe Last Hero: Journey to the Unknown March 21Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryVoidgem, a powerful wizard, has stolen all the magical relics of the ancient world, and then created evil minions and monsters to begin a reign of terror. The relics of the ancient world are scattered across various parts of the world. As a lone knight armed with only a sword, a shield, and incredible courage, set out for adventure in search of the lost relics and face all enemies in your way. Explore over 30 diverse levels, collect powerful items, and battle menacing bosses on your quest to save this pixelated fantasy world.Space War: InfinityRising Moon GamesGet it nowSpace War: Infinity March 21Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart DeliveryA semi-procedural shoot-em-up that will test your skills. Level up your ship, unlock amazing weapons, and defeat 5 formidable bosses. Challenge the infinite by facing real-time waves of enemies after completing all missions. Become the intergalactic hero now!Spot Challenge Vol. 3Lucky Raccoon GamesGet it nowSpot Challenge Vol. 3 March 21Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play AnywhereSpot Challenge Vol. 3 is a game series inspired by the classic Spot the Differences, where you need to compare two images and identify the differences between them. With over 340 differences spread across 35 levels, will you be able to find them all? Perfect for playing solo or with friends and family, Spot Challenge is the ultimate challenge to test your attention to details!

Apple TV+ just debuted a new series that is getting a lot of love from critics, and has a fantastic trailer too. Here are all the details on Dope Thief, the latest crime thriller from Apple TV+ thats available now.Dope Thiefs first two episodes now available on Apple TV+As Apple prepares for Severance to wrap up next week, it has several big new shows lined up to entice subscribers to stick around.The first such series is Dope Thief, which debuted today on Apple TV+ with its first two episodes. New episodes will be released weekly through April 25.Dope Thief stars Brian Tyree Henry, Wagner Moura, and Ving Rhames. Ridley Scott executive produced the show and directed its first episode.This is Apples summary of Dope Thief:Based on Dennis Tafoyas book of the same name, the series follows longtime Philly friends and delinquents who pose as DEA agents to rob an unknown house in the countryside, only to have their small-time grift become a life-and-death enterprise, as they unwittingly reveal and unravel the biggest hidden narcotics corridor on the Eastern Seaboard.Critics have had a lot of praise for the new show so far, as its earned a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Here are some excerpts from reviews:Dave Nemetz at TV Line: Gritty and riveting with a wicked sense of humor, it puts a few fresh twists on the crime drama formula and has terrific performancesMike Hale at The New York Times: Dope Thiefconsistently cuts its angst and violence with reasonably clever, farcical comedy.James Dyer at Empire Magazine: With a series of superbly directed set-pieces that lean as hard on character beats as they do action, and a clutch of knockout central performances, Dope Thief is a wild ride that you just wont want to quit.Heres the trailer:Are you interested in watching Dope Thief on Apple TV+? If youve seen the premiere, what did you think? Let us know in the comments.Apple TV+ isavailable for $9.99 per monthand features hit TV shows and movies likeTed Lasso,Severance,The Morning Show,Silo, andShrinking. You can alsowatch free in several ways.Best iPhone accessoriesAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Ted Lasso was the first big hit on Apple TV+, but the shows fate has been up in the air since season 3 concluded in May 2023. Initially, we all thought season 3 would be the shows final season, but there have been a lot of hints recently that a season 4 could happen after all. Now, Jason Sudeikis and Apple have made it official: Ted Lasso season four is in the works.Ted Lasso season 4 is official In an interview on the New Heights podcast with Jason and Travis Kelce, Sudeikis confirmed that season four of Ted Lasso is being written as we speak. In addition to playing the title character, Sudeikis is also a creator, writer, and producer on the show. Were writing season four now; thats the official word, Sudeikis said in a clip posted to X. Teds coaching a womens team. This aligns with previous rumors about Ted Lassos focus in season 4. For example, Sigmund Judge reported last month that filming was set to begin in May or June in London, with the focus shifting at AFC Richmond to the formation of its womens team. While there were questions about Sudeikiss involvement in season four, it now sounds like Ted Lasso himself will be coaching that newly formed AFC Richmond womens team. Theres no word on when Ted Lasso season 4 will premiere on Apple TV+, but were likely a long way away from that. Nonetheless, its nice to have official confirmation from Sudeikis that a fourth season is coming.Another hint at season 4: the Ted Lasso account on X mysteriously came back to life today after 18 months of silence. More detailsShortly after the New Heights podcast teaser, Apple officially announced more details about Ted Lasso season 4. In a press release, the company confirmed that Sudeikis will reprise his role as Ted Lasso. Sudeikis will serve as an executive producer alongside Brendan Hunt, Jane Becker, Jamie Lee, Bill Wrubel, Joe Kelly, Bill Lawrence, and Brett Goldstein. Jack Burditt (Nobody Wants This, Modern Family, 30 Rock) has also signed on as an executive producer as part of a new overall deal with Apple TV+.In the press release, Jason Sudeikis says: As we all continue to live in a world where so many factors have conditioned us to look before we leap, in season four, the folks at AFC Richmond learn to LEAP BEFORE THEY LOOK, discovering that wherever they land, its exactly where theyre meant to be.Matt Cherniss, head of programming for Apple TV+: Ted Lasso has been nothing short of a juggernaut, inspiring a passionate fanbase all over the world, and delivering endless joy and laughter, all while spreading kindness, compassion and unwavering belief. Everyone at Apple is thrilled to be continuing our collaboration with Jason and the brilliant creative minds behind this show. In the meantime, you can catch up on the first three seasons of Ted Lasso on Apple TV+ today. Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

In decades past, as the effects of climate change slowly became undeniable, some looked to the super-rich the billionaires with enough cash to really make a splash for solutions.They backed green energy campaigns and carbon capture programs, pushed plastics recycling and climate change messaging. New products hit the market as ethical consumption became the rule of the day: electric vehicles, solar panels, reusable bags, carbon-neutral dryer balls.By the early 2020s, billionaires had positioned themselves as the masters of climate change policy, taking advantage of their great fortunes to become indispensable to environmentalism.Now, however, many of those same billionaires are pulling support at an alarming rate. And Bill Gates Microsoft founder, sixth richest man in the world, and alleged sex pest is the latest among them.New reporting byHeatmap is signaling the end of a "major chapter in climate giving," as Breakthrough Energy Gates' climate change nonprofit has locked the doors on its policy and advocacy office, laying off dozens of employees throughout Europe and the US.Breakthrough's lobbying was central to advancing climate policy through legislation championed by the Biden administration, including the Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS Act, and the bipartisan Infrastructure Law.Though the billionaire's for-profit green energy investments at companies like Arnergy and Mission Zero Technologies remain in place, Breakthrough's belt-tightening will very likely end the nonprofit's grant writing efforts. That's a major blow to climate nonprofits, and further evidence that, for all their feel-good bluster, the mega-rich never forget their bottom line.Ever since billionaire real estate mogul Donald Trump won his second presidential election, tech baronslike Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai, and of course Elon Musk have made no bones about shedding their progressive skin and embracing the new administration.Gates, too, is cozying up to the returning president. In early January, the Microsoft founder spent three hours dining with his fellow billionaire, telling theWall Street Journal he was "frankly impressed" by Trump's grasp on the issues dear to him.Though many no doubt feel betrayed by what seems like a sudden rightward turn, billionaires like Gates have always behaved like wolves in sheep's clothing, prioritizing their fortunes above all.For example, Gates was heavily involved in establishing the Global Fund, a privately-funded rival to the World Health Organization. While the Global Fund did improve global vaccination rates, the cost of basic medicines skyrocketed thanks to his introduction of for-profit actors into global health efforts another sector made to rely on the generosity of billionaires.Since then, Gates has had no trouble withholding COVID vaccines from impoverished countries, raking in profits from union-busting corporations, and throwing out money to buy media influence to say nothing of his chummy friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.It all goes to show: billionaires were never going to save the world from climate catastrophe they just needed us to believe they could.More on the ultra-wealthy: Elon Musk Searching for Mysterious Billionaire Whos Making Everyone Hate TeslaShare This Article

As we step into 2025, the tech sector stands at an important juncture, balancing immense opportunity with mounting complexity. Tech disruptions like generative AI and IoT are driving innovation, enhancing productivity, and transforming industries. Meanwhile, the semiconductor industry remains the backbone of these advancements, powering breakthroughs that can redefine how businesses operate and deliver value. However, with progress comes challenges, and chief information officers and senior tech leaders should navigate evolving business models, competitive pressures, and shifting regulatory landscapes to succeed.Thriving in this dynamic era requires more than adaptation: It demands reinvention. Companies that can act decisively on investments in AI and adopt transformative technologies, such as AI agents, will likely emerge as leaders. The ability to rethink operations, modernize data to better leverage AI, and streamline processes while staying attuned to geopolitical risks and cyber threats can set the stage for success.Reinvent Your Business Model With AIAI-driven innovation is redefining business models across the tech sector in 2025, offering a powerful opportunity for reinvention. GenAI, alongside the Internet of Things and semiconductor advancements, is enabling companies to unlock new value streams, streamline operations, and gain a competitive edge. From creating personalized fan experiences in smart venues to building virtual worlds for gamers and manufacturers, these technologies are reshaping industries and setting the pace for innovation. Challenges in the AI era require balancing innovation with trust and transparency. While accessing and leveraging data is now an important value driver, 46% of TMT companies (technology, media and telecom) identify data monetization as a major hurdle. Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are increasingly viewed as a way to help bolster capabilities, accelerate reinvention, and address these challenges. AI-driven investments and early-year megadeals fueled a surge in tech deal activity in 2024, but the evolving regulatory environment and geopolitical uncertainty highlight the need for deliberate, innovative approaches to partnerships and business strategies that include forging alliances with key ecosystem players. These efforts can have big payoffs: PwC analysis reveals that TMT ecosystem-driven companies make higher profits -- 50% to 60% margins -- compared to 30% to 35% for those selling standalone products. Tech companies who are building AI infrastructure and capabilities are seeing substantial valuation increases. identify data monetization as a major hurdle.Related:Cut Costs and Boost OutputRelated:In 2025, GenAI is poised to play a pivotal role in driving operational efficiency and cost reduction across the tech sector. With 45% of tech and telecom leaders expecting GenAI to achieve more savings in the coming months, many companies are now turning their attention to the power of AI agents to take on tasks, improve workflows, and enhance productivity. This trend could reshape global delivery models by reducing deployment times and resource needs, enabling businesses to help streamline operations.The foundation of effective AI implementation lies in modernized data systems that are fed the right data. With 80% of TMT executives having already modernized or planning to modernize their data within the next 12 months, companies are making sure that GenAI models can process high-quality, well-organized data to help drive better decision-making and business outcomes. By combining cloud-based systems, advanced analytics, and AI-driven insights, businesses can enhance flexibility, improve resource management, and scale more efficiently.Navigate Regulatory and Geopolitical ChallengesRelated:AI is at the center of evolving regulatory and geopolitical challenges, creating both risks and opportunities for tech companies. As AI continues to grow in prominence, governments worldwide are intensifying their focus around its development and use. AI could benefit from deregulation, with faster approvals for large projects, and streamlined rules for innovation and deployment. With states now handling AI and privacy laws, compliance will grow more complex, while diverging US-EU regulations may force companies into regional strategies, limiting global competition. While these changes can bring compliance hurdles, they also present a chance for tech companies to help build resilience, gain consumer trust, and redefine their market positions by adopting responsible AI practices.Geopolitical tensions are also top of mind for many tech leaders, adding complexity to AI investment and innovation. The US Department of the Treasury has introduced restrictions on investments in Chinas AI sector, highlighting growing concerns over national security and technological dominance. These restrictions, alongside the rip and replace program targeting Chinese telecommunications infrastructure, underscores regulatory pressures on supply chain security. For tech companies navigating this uncertain environment, adapting strategies to meet new regulatory requirements and mitigate risks can be an integral component to maintaining a competitive edge.Looking AheadFrom reinventing business models and driving operational efficiencies to navigating complex regulatory and geopolitical landscapes, the opportunities for tech in 2025 are immense, but the challenges can be just as significant.The companies that can thrive will be those that embrace innovation, prioritize trust through responsible AI practices, and adapt swiftly to regulatory and geopolitical shifts.

All those people believing finally made it happen.Ted Lassowill return for a fourth season on Apple TV+.The popular and award-winning sitcom aired its most recent episodes in the spring of 2023 and though never made official, their storylinestronglyhinted that the show was coming to an end, or at least that if it continued, it would be in a different form. At the end of Season 3,folksy American football coach turned English football manager Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) returned home to be with his son, while his plucky underdog team, AFC Richmond, continued on withhis lovably grouchy assistant Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) leading the squad in his absence.That was until today, when apress releasefrom Apple announced thatTed Lassowould be back for a fourth season that will reunite the team behind the history-making, multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy series, with Jason Sudeikis reprising his award-winning role as the celebrated coach Ted Lasso.Sudeikis developed the series with Bill Lawrence andBrendan Hunt, who also co-stars in the series as Lassos sidekick, Coach Beard.3. Ted LassoAppleloading...READ MORE: TV Shows We Used to Love That Are Cringe NowIn a statement Sudeikis said...As we all continue to live in a world where so many factors have conditioned us to look before we leap, in season four, the folks at AFC Richmond learn to LEAP BEFORE THEY LOOK, discovering that wherever they land, its exactly where theyre meant to be.The first two seasons ofTed Lassoeach won the EmmyAward for Outstanding Comedy Series. (Season 3 lost the Best Comedy Show Emmy to Season 1 ofThe Bear.) After Season 3, there were rumors thatTed Lassomightcontinue on without Sudeikis as some kind of AFC Richmond-based show hence the final episode where he returns to America.Instead, we will get a full-blown Season 4 of Ted Lasso, with Sudeikis back in the title role. It remains to be seen how Ted will wind up back in England and if all of other characters from the show willreturn as well. Thus far, the show hasproducednumerous breakout stars including Brett Goldstein as well as Hannah Waddingham, who plays AFC Richmond owner Rebecca Welton.Get our free mobile app10 Canceled TV Shows That Were Supposed to Be HugeThese are the true one-season wonders of TV.Gallery Credit: Emma Stefansky

Its a truth universally acknowledged that with great artistic and financial success comes lots and lots of ripoffs. The entertainment world is full of these its the reason every action movie looks like John Wick now, and every fantasy TV show feels like Game of Thrones. There is an industry within these industries, however, that experiences the largest volume of copycat culture of all, and thats animated childrens movies.The term for a movie that is all but a carbon copy of another, more popular movie is mockbuster, often seen as a desperate attempt to look and feel like something everyone already likes, if not an outright 1:1 parody. Mockbuster trends are nothing new, and started well before the apps were infiltrated by anonymous streaming slop, but their closeness to their source material, and the way their thumbnails and DVD covers are fashioned to look just enough like something people recognize means that more and more of us are becoming exposed to their ubiquity. When the users of these apps are children, theyre even more likely to click on something that looks like a beloved classic.Some of these mockbusters are more shameless than others, and theyre not going away anytime soon. Every time a large animation studio releases a new hit, expect lots of imitators following in its wake. These movies rarely share the same plots, or even the same general ideas the whole point is to make them seem familiar, so that once you realize youre not watching what you thought you were, its too late. Weve chosen the most shameless examples of this phenomenon, from copied DVD box covers to ripped off character designs and plot arcs, each more flagrant than the last.The Worst Mockbuster Ripoffs of Beloved Animated MoviesWe can't in good conscience recommend any of these terrible cartoon mockbusters.Gallery Credit: Emma StefanskyREAD MORE: The Weirdest Animated Movies Ever MadeGet our free mobile appThe Scariest Kids Movies in HistoryFiled Under: Kung Fu Panda

This is today's edition ofThe Download,our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what's going on in the world of technology. This annual shot might protect against HIV infections Every year, my colleagues and I put together a list of what we think are the top 10 breakthrough technologies of that year. When it came to innovations in biotech, there was a clear winner: lenacapavir, a drug that was found to prevent HIV infections in 100% of the women and girls who received it in a clinical trial. You never hear 100% in medicine. The trial was the most successful weve ever seen for HIV prevention. The drug was safe, too (its already approved to treat HIV infections). And it only needed to be injected twice a year to offer full protection. This week, the results of a small phase I trial for once-yearly lenacapavir injections were announced at a conference in San Francisco. These early first in human trials are designed to test the safety of a drug in healthy volunteers. Still, the results are incredibly promising. Read our story to find out why. Jessica Hamzelou This article first appeared in The Checkup, MIT Technology Reviews weekly biotech newsletter. To receive it in your inbox every Thursday, and read articles like this first, sign up here. My sex doll is mad at me: A short story In the not-too-distant future, we might form intimate relationships with robots. In this short fiction story from the latest edition of our print magazine, writer and artist Leo Herrera imagines what might happen when those robots break. Read the full story and if you arent already a subscriber, sign up now to get the next edition of the print magazine. Subscriptions are 25% off today! The must-reads Ive combed the internet to find you todays most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology. 1 A second wave of mass US government firings is coming More than 100,000 jobs have been cut to datea figure thats likely to keep rising. (Reuters)+ But a judge has demanded the rehiring of thousands of recently fired workers. (NYT $)+ Meet the archivists resisting DOGEs data purge. (New Yorker $)+ Can AI help DOGE slash government budgets? Its complex. (MIT Technology Review)2 OpenAI has accused DeepSeek of being state-controlled And its recommended the US bans the Chinese companys models, just in case. (TechCrunch)+ OpenAI wants to preserve US AI models ability to learn from copyrighted material. (CNBC)+ DeepSeek is uninterested in entering the AI rat race for profits. (FT $)+ How a top Chinese AI model overcame US sanctions. (MIT Technology Review)3 NASA and SpaceX will attempt to rescue the astronauts stuck in space tonight After a mission to send their replacements into space was called off on Wednesday. (WP $)4 Techs biggest companies arent fans of Donald Trumps tariffs Chinese manufacturer Foxconn, which supplies Apple and Amazon, has been hard hit. (FT $)+ Meanwhile, Trump has taken aim at the foundation of US climate rules. (Vox)5 China will start to label AI-generated content online Following in the footsteps of the EU. (Bloomberg $)+ The race to find a better way to label AI. (MIT Technology Review) 6 Big Pharma is cautiously investing in mental health againThe industry had previously turned its back on the field, but new treatments are piquing its interest. (WSJ $) 7 Africa is pinning its hopes of reliable electricity on solar gridsAfrica is the worlds sunniest continent. Why not harness that energy? (Knowable Magazine) + Yes, we have enough materials to power the world with renewable energy. (MIT Technology Review)8 Meet the Christians of Silicon Valley When their work leaves them feeling disillusioned, they find hope in their faith. (Wired $)+ The rise of the tech ethics congregation. (MIT Technology Review)9 How generative AIs creations complement the MAGA aestheticThe pro-Trump internet isnt especially stylish. (NYT $) 10 How to lose $148 billion in under two months Just ask Elon Musk. (The Atlantic $)Quote of the day Its about as good as an intern. Generic and guessable answers. An anonymous US agency worker says theyre not impressed by a chatbot DOGE created in an attempt to automate work previously done by federal employees, Wired reports. The big story Inside the quest to map the universe with mysterious bursts of radio energy May 2024When our universe was less than half as old as it is today, a burst of energy that could cook a suns worth of popcorn shot out from somewhere amid a compact group of galaxies. Some 8 billion years later, radio waves from that burst reached Earth and were captured by a sophisticated low-frequency radio telescope in the Australian outback. The signal, which arrived in June 2022, and lasted for under half a millisecond, is one of a growing class of mysterious radio signals called fast radio bursts. In the last 10 years, astronomers have picked up nearly 5,000 of them. This one was particularly special: nearly double the age of anything previously observed, and three and a half times more energetic.No one knows what causes fast radio bursts. They flash in a seemingly random and unpredictable pattern from all over the sky. But despite the mystery, these radio waves are starting to prove extraordinarily useful. Read the full story.Anna Kramer We can still have nice things A place for comfort, fun and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or skeet 'em at me.) + Why is Hollywood so obsessed with twins right now?+ This octopus contorting its body to fit into a tiny hole is mesmerizing + Did you catch this mornings blood moon lunar eclipse? Dont worry if you didntthese pictures are pretty amazing.+ Happy Pi Day to all who celebrate!

Submitted by WA ContentsLondon Festival Of Architecture to hold its new edition between 1-30 June, 2025United Kingdom Architecture News - Mar 14, 2025 - 12:50 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"The London Festival of Architecture (LFA) is back for a month long celebration of architecture and city-making in June 2025.The London Festival Of Architecture will take place between 1-30 June, 2025 at various locations across London, UK.With activity happening across London, the Festival will once again be platform for conversation, testing new ideas, promoting emerging talent, helping shift us towards a more equitable, sustainable city.All Festival activity for 2025 will be focusing on the theme of "Voices". You can find some thoughts from the team and LFA2025 Curation Panel here.The organizers of the event said that "Architecture is not only about creation; its about listening, amplifying, and intertwining the voices that make up our spaces, stories, and neighbourhoods.""At present, where diverse perspectives are both essential and vulnerable, we must explore how different voices complement, contradict, and evolve together. We invite our Festival community to engage in these uncomfortable, yet necessary, questions as we rethink how architecture is understood, spoken about, and practiced.. Together, we can amplify the people and voices that have long been overlooked, create new systems and frameworks, and build more equitable spaces for all."Find out more information about the event on the LFA website.The top image in the article: Pricegore And Yinka Ilori's Dulwich Pavilion at London Festival Of Architecture 2019. Image Adam Scott.> via LFAarchitecture event