Summary

Fifth Hunger Games book and film announced surrounding the 50th Hunger Games and focusing on Haymitch’s path to victory. Shiloh Jolie-Pitt petitioned to have Pitt dropped from her last name as she turns 18, following continued reports of her father’s actions. Netflix announces the final season of the Umbrella Academy. Warner Brothers makes a surprise announcement of Practical Magic sequel. ‘Suits’ ninth and final season announced at reunion panel. Chappell Roan performs at Governor’s Ball in Statue of Liberty drag. Charli XCX’s newest album is praised for reinvigorating pop music. Sabrina Carpenter releases a catchy new single and partnership for ‘Espresso’ ice cream. 

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Trending Topics…

• Suzanne Collins, author of the famous dystopian series ‘The Hunger Games’, announced on Thursday the fifth installment of the franchise. Titled “Sunrise on the Reaping” this novel will follow the events of the 50th Hunger Games in which Haymitch, the mentor to Katniss and Peeta in the original series, becomes a victor. Collins has stated in the past that she will only add to the series if she has something to say, and the inspiration for this story comes from an 18th century Scottish philosopher and the modern trend of misinformation. In the surprising announcement, Collins added to the shock value by also announcing an accompanying film release. The novel will be released March 18th, 2025 and the film on November 20th, 2026. 
• Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, 18 year-old daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, petitioned to drop her father’s last name. This isn’t the first time one of the famous Hollywood it-couple’s children made this decision, with two other children publically dropping their father’s name. In Shiloh’s case, this comes after years of reports of the family’s strained relationship, including an FBI report regarding a disturbance on a family flight where Brad allegedly physically assaulted both his wife and children, prompting Jolie to file for divorce shortly after.  A week after Shiloh made the petition, Brad Pitt came forward and said he was “aware and upset.” 

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Screen Sightings…

• Netflix’s original series “The Umbrella Academy” announced the release of their 4th and final season after a two year hiatus following the COVID-19 Pandemic. The season is set to release on August 8th, 2024. 
• Warner Brothers teased fans on Tiktok Sunday with a midnight secret announcement of a sequel to the 90s witchy cult classic film “Practical Magic”, with Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman in talks to return as their original roles.  
• At a reunion panel in Austin Texas, the actors of the hit lawyer drama ‘Suits’ announced a ninth and final season to the series to be released July 1st on Netflix in the US. Following its recent addition to Netflix, the show grew in popularity and gave showrunners the confidence to finish out the story.

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Music Mixup…

• Rising pop-star Chappell Roan played at the Governor’s Ball this past weekend in full Statue of Liberty drag. She informed the crowd that she rejected to play at the White House for Pride and chose a smaller venue, stating that she seeks “liberty and justice for all” and used the famous inscription on Lady Liberty’s feet to continue her advocacy for LGBTQ and refugee rights. 
• Charli XCX’s sixth studio album, ‘Brat’, has many reviewers admiring her ability to create a genuine self-reflection with bold and provocative sounds setting her at the top of the pop genre. The album was released last Friday and is definitely worth a listen for all experimental pop fans. 

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That’s all for your pop culture news, thank you for listening to Current2 Pop Culture, the easy way to stay entertained!

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Newest Hunger Games novel and movie announced for release (AP, Variety)

Shiloh Jolie-Pitt petitions to drops father’s last name (People, LA Times)

Umbrella Academy season 4 trailer and release date drops (Cosmopolitan)

Warner Brothers announces Practical Magic 2 to fans’ delight (EW)

‘Suits’ season 9 premiere announced by Netflix (Netflix)

Chappell Roan rejects White House performance to play at Pride (Rolling Stone)

Charli XCX bends pop genre to her will in newest album, ‘Brat’ (Billboard)

Sabrina Carpenter releases new single and new ice cream flavor (Variety, Eater)