naomi watts breaks
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Naomi Watts breaks silence on her secret role in S…

Naomi Watts has officially joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but many moviegoers did not realize it until after watching Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The acclaimed actress recently surprised fans by revealing that she secretly voices E.V.I.E. (E.V.), Peter Parker’s self-created artificial intelligence assistant in the blockbuster superhero film. The announcement came through an Instagram post, where Watts shared her excitement about becoming part of the Marvel franchise in an unexpected way. 

The 57-year-old actress reflected on the special project by posting a behind-the-scenes photo from a Zoom session with director Destin Daniel Cretton. In her caption, Watts joked about her long history with Tom Holland, writing, “From playing your mom to playing your AI (100% human made).” The lighthearted message referenced their earlier collaboration in the 2012 disaster drama The Impossible, in which Holland portrayed her on-screen son. Nearly 14 years later, the pair have reunited in a completely different way within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

Although her role remained a closely guarded secret before the film’s release, Watts’ voice is now recognized as the intelligent AI companion who assists Peter Parker throughout his latest adventure. Following the memory-erasing events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Peter finds himself more isolated than ever, making E.V.I.E. one of the few constant presences in his life. The digital assistant helps him navigate both everyday challenges and dangerous missions, serving as a trusted guide similar to Tony Stark’s iconic J.A.R.V.I.S. system. 

Watts also congratulated Holland, Cretton, and the entire cast on the film’s remarkable success. She said she felt “immensely proud” to have contributed, even if only in a small way, to such a historic project. Despite being a voice-only performance, her role has generated considerable excitement among Marvel fans, many of whom were delighted to discover the surprise cameo after the film’s release. 

Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, Spider-Man: Brand New Day follows Peter Parker as he embraces life as a full-time superhero in a world that no longer remembers his true identity. The film stars Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Sadie Sink, Jon Bernthal, and Mark Ruffalo, while introducing several new twists that expand Peter’s story in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

For Watts, the project represents an exciting milestone. Although she has enjoyed an acclaimed career with memorable performances in films such as Mulholland Drive, The Impossible, and King Kong, this marks her first official appearance in the MCU. Her surprise role demonstrates that even in one of the world’s biggest film franchises, there are still secrets waiting to be uncovered.

As fans continue celebrating Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Watts’ unexpected reveal has become one of the movie’s most talked-about behind-the-scenes surprises. Her reunion with Tom Holland and memorable contribution as E.V.I.E. adds another fascinating chapter to both actors’ careers while giving Marvel audiences one more reason to revisit the blockbuster. 

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    UAE opens direct sea route to China, cutting car d…

    DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates has launched a new direct maritime trade route with China, creating a faster shipping link between the two countries and reducing the time needed to transport vehicles. The new route connects Khorfakkan Port, located on the Gulf of Oman outside the Strait of Hormuz, with China’s Xiaomo Port. According to the Emirates News Agency, the service will bring large shipments of vehicles directly from the Chinese port to Khorfakkan. The launch is expected to give vehicle importers and logistics companies a quicker option for moving cargo between China and the UAE. The new direct service will reportedly cut vehicle transportation times by three to five days, improving efficiency across the supply chain. Khorfakkan’s strategic location on the Gulf of Oman makes it an important maritime gateway, with direct access to international shipping routes. The new connection could further strengthen the port’s role in handling Chinese goods and automotive shipments bound for the UAE and wider regional markets. The development also reflects growing trade and logistics cooperation between the UAE and China, particularly as demand for faster and more reliable supply chains continues to increase. For the automotive sector, shorter transit times could mean quicker deliveries, smoother inventory planning and greater flexibility for businesses handling vehicles imported from China. With the new route now operational, the UAE is strengthening its position as a regional logistics hub while providing Chinese exporters with a more direct maritime connection to the Gulf. The service is expected to support growing bilateral trade and make vehicle movement between the two markets faster and more efficient.

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    Iran cautions US against military action during regional diplomatic calls

    Iran has warned that it will respond firmly to any future military action by the United States, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi delivering the message during separate conversations with senior officials from Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia. The diplomatic outreach comes as tensions in the region remain high amid growing speculation about possible American military action against Iran. According to statements released through Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Araghchi held separate telephone discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir. During the conversations, he stressed that Iran would react decisively to what he described as any new act of aggression by the United States or its allies. He said Tehran would respond proportionately to any attack targeting the country’s territory or critical infrastructure. In his discussion with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, both sides reviewed the latest developments in regional diplomacy and ongoing negotiations related to the current crisis. Fidan later confirmed the conversation on social media, saying the two officials exchanged views on recent diplomatic efforts and the evolving regional situation. Araghchi also used his conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan to repeat Iran’s warning that any military action by the United States, Israel or other regional actors would receive a strong and direct response. Iranian officials have consistently maintained that the country’s defence policy is based on responding to attacks with equal force rather than initiating conflict. Last week, Araghchi reinforced this position through a social media post, describing Iran’s defence strategy as an “eye for an eye” approach. He said any strike against Iranian infrastructure would be met with a comparable response, signalling that Tehran remains prepared to retaliate if its security is threatened. The latest statements come as reports continue to circulate about possible military planning in Washington. Michael Doran, a former senior official on Middle East affairs at the US National Security Council, said President Donald Trump is reportedly close to deciding whether to authorise a large scale military operation against Iran. Citing an Israeli official quoted by Israel’s Kan 12 television channel, Doran said the US military has reached its highest state of readiness, although no final decision has been made. Neither the White House nor the Pentagon has publicly confirmed the reports. However, the speculation has added to concerns that the already fragile security situation in the Middle East could worsen if diplomatic efforts fail. Regional governments have been closely monitoring developments, with many countries urging restraint and encouraging dialogue to prevent a wider conflict. Analysts say continued communication between Iran and neighbouring states reflects growing efforts to avoid further escalation while preparing for the possibility of increased military tensions. Iran has repeatedly said it prefers diplomacy but insists it will defend its territory and national interests if attacked. As uncertainty continues over Washington’s next move, the exchange of warnings and diplomatic contacts highlights the delicate balance facing the region, where any military confrontation could have far reaching consequences beyond Iran and the United States. Focused keyword:

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    Two women allegedly harassed on Karachi streets

    Two separate videos showing alleged harassment of women on the streets of Karachi have surfaced, raising concerns about women’s safety in public places. In the first incident, a motorcyclist allegedly harassed a woman who was walking along a road in Orangi Town. The suspect reportedly approached the woman, committed the alleged act and fled the scene. According to the footage, the incident took place at around 9am. The video has circulated widely and reportedly shows the suspect’s face clearly enough to assist with his identification. A similar incident was reported in the Al-Falah area of Malir. In that case, a motorcyclist allegedly harassed a woman while she was walking on the road. CCTV footage of the incident surfaced a day earlier. The two incidents have sparked concern over the safety of women in Karachi. The circulation of the videos has also prompted calls for authorities to identify the suspects and take appropriate legal action. No suspect has been arrested in either case so far. There is also no confirmed report of a formal complaint being registered by either of the affected women. Authorities have yet to provide further details about the incidents or confirm whether investigations have been formally launched.

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    Pakistan refineries ready to sign long-delayed upgrade agreements 

    Pakistan’s oil refineries have agreed to move ahead with long-delayed agreements for upgrading their ageing plants, even as they continue to raise objections over a new financial penalty linked to the petroleum policy. Under the revised arrangement, refineries will be required to surrender 2.5 percent of the deemed duty retained on diesel for the period of delay. Industry representatives have termed the condition unfair, arguing that the delays were largely beyond their control and should not result in a financial burden on the refineries. Despite the disagreement over the penalty, refinery companies have indicated that they do not intend to hold up the signing of the agreements and are prepared to proceed with the modernization programme. The government’s Brownfield Refinery Policy, originally approved in August 2023, was introduced to encourage investment in the modernization and expansion of Pakistan’s existing refining capacity. The policy has subsequently been amended twice in an effort to address implementation issues and facilitate investment in the sector. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has indicated that the long-pending agreements will be finalized shortly, while officials in the Petroleum Division are expecting the documents to be signed by the end of August. Agreements to Be Signed With ISGS A key change under the revised mechanism is that the upgrade agreements will now be executed with Interstate Gas Systems (ISGS), which operates under the Petroleum Division. Previously, the agreements were expected to be concluded through the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra). The change in the implementing entity is part of the government’s efforts to move the refinery-upgrade programme forward after delays in finalizing the contractual framework. Industry representatives, however, have maintained that refinery companies had already taken substantial steps to comply with the earlier arrangements and should not be penalized for delays that occurred afterward. Refineries Object to 2.5% Penalty Adil Khattak, Chief Executive Officer of Attock Refinery Limited and Chairperson of the Energy Committee of the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Attock Refinery and National Refinery had completed several important formalities ahead of the previous deadline of October 22, 2024. According to Khattak, the companies had initialed agreements with Ogra, secured approval from their respective boards and arranged Rs1 billion bank guarantees each as part of the requirements. He said the companies were nevertheless being asked under the revised arrangement to surrender 2.5 percent of the deemed duty retained on diesel for the period between the previous deadline and the signing of the new agreements. The financial implications could be substantial. Khattak said Attock Refinery alone could face a penalty of around Rs7.5 million for every day of delay, increasing the industry’s concerns over the cost of the prolonged implementation process. Refineries argue that imposing the financial charge is inappropriate because they had already completed the required formalities within the earlier timeframe and were not responsible for subsequent delays in finalizing the agreements. Draft Agreements Circulated The Petroleum Division has now circulated draft upgrade agreements among the refineries, marking another step towards implementation of the long-delayed modernization programme. Officials are expected to hold further consultations with the Ministry of Finance, Controller of Accounts and ISGS before the agreements are finalized. Although refinery companies have reservations about the penalty clause, industry representatives have indicated that the disagreement will not prevent them from signing the agreements. The refineries are instead seeking a resolution of the financial issue separately while allowing the broader modernization programme to proceed. Upgrade Seen as Critical for Energy Security The modernization of Pakistan’s refining sector has gained greater importance as the country remains heavily dependent on imported petroleum products to meet domestic demand. Khattak estimated that delays in upgrading local refineries are costing Pakistan approximately $1.5 billion annually through additional fuel imports and the resulting foreign exchange outflows. Industry officials argue that upgrading domestic plants would allow refineries to produce a greater proportion of higher-value petroleum products while reducing dependence on imports. The issue has also acquired greater significance amid repeated disruptions and uncertainty in international energy markets. Greater domestic refining capacity and improved processing technology could provide Pakistan with an additional buffer against external supply shocks and volatile global fuel prices. Attock Refinery Moves Toward Financing Attock Refinery has already made considerable progress on the technical side of its proposed modernization project. The company has largely completed its front-end engineering and design work and has begun discussions with banks to arrange financing for the planned investment. The next stage will depend on the finalization of the government agreement and the completion of financing arrangements. For Pakistan, the successful implementation of the brownfield refinery upgrade programme could help improve domestic fuel production, reduce import dependence and ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves. 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    Pakistan keeps petrol and diesel prices unchanged …

    The Government of Pakistan has decided to keep petrol and diesel prices unchanged for the next two days after implementing fuel price increases over five consecutive days. The Petroleum Division of the Ministry of Energy issued an official notification confirming that current prices will remain in effect on July 26 and 27, 2026. According to the notification, the price of petrol will remain at Rs. 335.18 per litre, while high-speed diesel (HSD) will continue to be sold at Rs. 383.46 per litre during the two-day period. The decision comes after a series of recent adjustments to petroleum prices under the government’s revised pricing mechanism. Authorities said no further changes would be made during the specified period, providing temporary stability for consumers following multiple increases. The latest notification confirms that the existing fuel rates announced on July 25 will remain effective through July 27. Officials from the Petroleum Division stated that the move is in line with the government’s current fuel pricing policy. Just a day earlier, the government had raised petrol prices by Rs. 3.66 per litre and high-speed diesel prices by Rs. 4.80 per litre. Those increases followed another hike in which petrol became Rs. 4.40 per litre more expensive and diesel increased by Rs. 3.62 per litre. Before the latest revisions, petrol was priced at Rs. 331.52 per litre, while high-speed diesel was available at Rs. 378.66 per litre on July 24. The recent adjustments reflect ongoing fluctuations in petroleum pricing driven by changes in international oil markets and domestic pricing policies. Fuel prices play a significant role in Pakistan’s economy, influencing transportation costs, industrial production, and the prices of essential goods and services. Any increase or decrease in petroleum prices has a direct impact on businesses and household budgets across the country. The government’s decision to maintain current prices for two days is expected to provide short-term certainty for consumers and businesses. However, future revisions will continue to depend on global oil prices, exchange rate movements, and the government’s fuel pricing framework. Motorists and businesses are advised to follow official announcements from the Petroleum Division for any future changes in fuel prices. The current notification confirms that petrol and diesel rates will remain unchanged until the end of July 27, unless a new directive is issued by the government.

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    Shah Rukh Khan’s King set for major box office clash in December

    Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming action thriller King is gearing up for one of the biggest box office battles of the year as its scheduled December release places it alongside several highly anticipated Hollywood blockbusters. Directed by Siddharth Anand, King is set to arrive in cinemas on December 24, a date that will also see the release of major international films including Avengers: Doomsday, Dune 3, and Jumanji: Open World. The crowded release window is expected to create intense competition both in India and overseas, making it one of the most closely watched clashes of the holiday season. Among the Hollywood titles, Avengers: Doomsday is widely expected to be the strongest rival. The Marvel franchise has built an enormous fan base in India over the years, with several of its previous films enjoying record-breaking openings and impressive box office collections. Its popularity could present a significant challenge for King, particularly when it comes to attracting audiences during the festive period. The competition is expected to be even tougher in international markets. With three major Hollywood franchises arriving simultaneously, exhibitors may face difficult decisions regarding screen allocation and show timings. Large-scale global releases often dominate multiplex schedules, leaving less room for other films, even those led by major stars. Despite these challenges, the makers of King have shown confidence in the film’s potential and have reportedly decided to stick with the planned release date. Rather than avoiding the clash, the production team appears determined to let the film compete head-to-head with some of the biggest releases of the year. Industry observers believe that only a project of King’s scale, backed by Shah Rukh Khan’s global popularity, has the ability to stand alongside such powerful Hollywood franchises. The actor remains one of India’s biggest box office draws, and expectations surrounding the film have continued to grow since its announcement. Adding to the excitement is the fact that King will mark the first full-fledged on-screen collaboration between Shah Rukh Khan and his daughter, Suhana Khan. Fans are eager to see the father-daughter duo share screen space in what is expected to be a high-octane action entertainer. The film also boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Raghav Juyal, and Rani Mukerji in key roles, further raising anticipation among moviegoers. International distribution is being handled by Yash Raj Films, whose extensive global network and experience in releasing Indian films overseas could help maximize the film’s reach. Their expertise is expected to play an important role in securing favorable screens and show schedules across key international territories. As the countdown to December begins, King is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about releases of the year. Whether it can hold its own against three major Hollywood franchises remains to be seen, but the film’s star power, large-scale production, and strong cast have positioned it as a formidable contender in what promises to be an exciting holiday box office showdown.

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