James Bond and Alien star, Yaphet Kotto, has died at the age of 81, it has been confirmed. Variety reports that Kotto's agent, Ryan Goldhar, confirmed the news, and Kotto's wife, Tessie Sinahon, later posted on Facebook about her husband's death. Kotto was best known for his performances in the James Bond movie Live and Let Die and the Ridley Scott sci-fi classic Alien. He also famously portrayed Lieutenant Al Giardello on the NBC television series Homicide: Life on the Street. "I'm saddened and still in shocked [sic] of the passing of my husband Yaphet of 24 years. He died last night around 10:30pm Philippine time," Sinahon wrote in her post. "You played a villain on some of your movies but for me you're a real hero and to a lot of people also. A good man, a good father, a good husband and a decent human being, very rare to find." [caption id="attachment_2486764" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Yaphet Kotto as Parker in Alien.[/caption] She concluded: "One of the best actors in Hollywood a Legend. Rest in Peace Honey, I'm gonna miss you every day, my best friend, my rock." No cause of death was given. Kotto was perhaps best known for his villainous turn as Mr. Big/Dr. Kananga in 1973's Live and Let Die, in which Roger Moore made his debut as 007. He then went on to portray technician Dennis Parker in Alien alongside Sigourney Weaver, resistance fighter William Laughlin in The Running Man with Arnold Schwarzenegger, and special agent Alonzo Mosely in Midnight Run with Robert De Niro. The actor also had a memorable career on the small screen, playing Al Giardello in a six-year stint on Homicide: Life on the Street from 1993 to 1999. Some of Kotto's other TV roles include a guest-starring role as a Marine Lance Corporal on Hawaii Five-O, and a mobster known as "East Side Charlie" on The A-Team, as well as appearances in For Love and Honor, Death Valley Days, and Law & Order. Several industry heavyweights paid condolences to the late actor on social media following the announcement of his passing. "Yaphet Kotto. My Mom's favorite," tweeted director Ava DuVernay. "He's one of those actors who deserved more than the parts he got. But he took those parts and made them wonderful all the same. A star. Rest well, sir." "RIP Yaphet Kotto, a brilliant magnetic presence, bringing gravitas & naturalism to deep space or underground Bond lair," said director Edgar Wright in his tribute on Twitter. "So memorable as Parker in Alien, Kananga (Mr Big) in Live & Let Die, Smokey James in Blue Collar or in the simmering funny rage of Midnight Run's Alonzo Mosely." [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

James Bond and Alien star, Yaphet Kotto, has died at the age of 81, it has been confirmed. Variety reports that Kotto's agent, Ryan Goldhar, confirmed the news, and Kotto's wife, Tessie Sinahon, later posted on Facebook about her husband's death. Kotto was best known for his performances in the James Bond movie Live and Let Die and the Ridley Scott sci-fi classic Alien. He also famously portrayed Lieutenant Al Giardello on the NBC television series Homicide: Life on the Street. "I'm saddened and still in shocked [sic] of the passing of my husband Yaphet of 24 years. He died last night around 10:30pm Philippine time," Sinahon wrote in her post. "You played a villain on some of your movies but for me you're a real hero and to a lot of people also. A good man, a good father, a good husband and a decent human being, very rare to find." [caption id="attachment_2486764" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Yaphet Kotto as Parker in Alien.[/caption] She concluded: "One of the best actors in Hollywood a Legend. Rest in Peace Honey, I'm gonna miss you every day, my best friend, my rock." No cause of death was given. Kotto was perhaps best known for his villainous turn as Mr. Big/Dr. Kananga in 1973's Live and Let Die, in which Roger Moore made his debut as 007. He then went on to portray technician Dennis Parker in Alien alongside Sigourney Weaver, resistance fighter William Laughlin in The Running Man with Arnold Schwarzenegger, and special agent Alonzo Mosely in Midnight Run with Robert De Niro. The actor also had a memorable career on the small screen, playing Al Giardello in a six-year stint on Homicide: Life on the Street from 1993 to 1999. Some of Kotto's other TV roles include a guest-starring role as a Marine Lance Corporal on Hawaii Five-O, and a mobster known as "East Side Charlie" on The A-Team, as well as appearances in For Love and Honor, Death Valley Days, and Law & Order. Several industry heavyweights paid condolences to the late actor on social media following the announcement of his passing. "Yaphet Kotto. My Mom's favorite," tweeted director Ava DuVernay. "He's one of those actors who deserved more than the parts he got. But he took those parts and made them wonderful all the same. A star. Rest well, sir." "RIP Yaphet Kotto, a brilliant magnetic presence, bringing gravitas & naturalism to deep space or underground Bond lair," said director Edgar Wright in his tribute on Twitter. "So memorable as Parker in Alien, Kananga (Mr Big) in Live & Let Die, Smokey James in Blue Collar or in the simmering funny rage of Midnight Run's Alonzo Mosely." [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

Update (3/15/21) - After a six-hour delay due to Microsoft server outages, HBO Max has begun sending access codes out to those who were invited to the virtual premiere of Zack Snyder's Justice League. “We know many of you have been waiting for this moment since 2017. Today was not how we envisioned how our virtual premiere would begin, and we want to express our sincerest apologies for any inconvenience caused by this delay," An HBO Max spokesperson wrote. "We know many of you have made special arrangements to enjoy the virtual event, and we share your disappointment that things haven’t gone as planned. "Please note: Microsoft is still resolving issues, but we don’t want to keep you waiting any longer! If you get an error message, you may have to try different devices or browsers." Original story follows. [poilib element="accentDivider"] The invite-only virtual premiere of Zack Snyder's Justice League was scheduled for earlier tonight, but outages at Microsoft have delayed it by more than four hours. This virtual premiere was happening via Microsoft Teams, but those who were expecting to finally see Zack Snyder's Justice League were met with an error message instead of the much-anticipated film. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/15/zack-snyders-justice-league-review"] "Microsoft is currently experiencing a systemwide outage affecting the platform for our virtual premiere. We will distribute access codes and links as soon as the system is restored. Thank you for your patience." The message reads. Zack Snyder himself took to Twitter to apologize for the delay, saying, "I have no words. Still waiting for info. So sorry." In our review of Zack Snyder's Justice League, we said that it "is a surprise vindication for the director and the fans that believed in his vision. With a mature approach to its superhero drama, better-realized antagonists, and improved action, Snyder’s version of Justice League saves the movie from the dustbin of history, something that likely only could’ve happened on a streaming platform like HBO Max." For more, check out Zack Snyder's explanation on why his Justice League has a cliffhanger ending despite having no sequel and 27 things we learned at IGN Fan Fest about the Snyder Cut from Zack Snyder himself. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=justice-league-snyder-cut-all-the-known-differences-from-the-theatrical-version&captions=true"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Rockstar Games has announced that the fan-made solution to the lengthy load times that impact GTA Online's PC version will be officially implemented in a future update. Github user tostercx, who also goes by t0st, published a blog post that detailed how they reduced GTA Online's loading screen time by 70%. This change would cut down the time players had to wait loading into the game from six minutes to just one minute and 50 seconds. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/01/gta-modder-claims-long-load-times-have-an-easy-fix"] While t0st did share the fix, they warned that it was an unsupported "proof of concept" and was "not for casual use." They also mentioned that it "shouldn't take more than a day for a single [Rockstar] dev to solve" the problem. Rockstar took notice of this situation and issued a statement to PC Gamer, confirming that t0st's findings were accurate. Furthermore, it said it would be releasing an update that will incorporate their solution to improve GTA Online's load times on PC. "After a thorough investigation, we can confirm that player t0st did, in fact, reveal an aspect of the game code related to load times for the PC version of GTA Online that could be improved," the company said in a statement. "As a result of these investigations, we have made some changes that will be implemented in a forthcoming title update." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/20/gta-online-the-cayo-perico-heist-teaser-trailer"] Rockstar hasn't shared when the fix will be available, nor if fans can expect a 70% decrease in load times, but it did share that it has been in contact with t0st and that the company thanked him for his efforts. T0st shared that Rockstar awarded them $10,000 through its Bug Bounty program. This is an even more impressive outcome as this service by Rockstar is usually meant for those who discover a security of privacy issue in the company's online games. This was a special case, and Rockstar made "an exception" to honor t0st's work. IGN has reached out to Rockstar for a comment. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Rockstar Games has announced that the fan-made solution to the lengthy load times that impact GTA Online's PC version will be officially implemented in a future update. Github user tostercx, who also goes by t0st, published a blog post that detailed how they reduced GTA Online's loading screen time by 70%. This change would cut down the time players had to wait loading into the game from six minutes to just one minute and 50 seconds. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/01/gta-modder-claims-long-load-times-have-an-easy-fix"] While t0st did share the fix, they warned that it was an unsupported "proof of concept" and was "not for casual use." They also mentioned that it "shouldn't take more than a day for a single [Rockstar] dev to solve" the problem. Rockstar took notice of this situation and issued a statement to PC Gamer, confirming that t0st's findings were accurate. Furthermore, it said it would be releasing an update that will incorporate their solution to improve GTA Online's load times on PC. "After a thorough investigation, we can confirm that player t0st did, in fact, reveal an aspect of the game code related to load times for the PC version of GTA Online that could be improved," the company said in a statement. "As a result of these investigations, we have made some changes that will be implemented in a forthcoming title update." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/20/gta-online-the-cayo-perico-heist-teaser-trailer"] Rockstar hasn't shared when the fix will be available, nor if fans can expect a 70% decrease in load times, but it did share that it has been in contact with t0st and that the company thanked him for his efforts. T0st shared that Rockstar awarded them $10,000 through its Bug Bounty program. This is an even more impressive outcome as this service by Rockstar is usually meant for those who discover a security of privacy issue in the company's online games. This was a special case, and Rockstar made "an exception" to honor t0st's work. IGN has reached out to Rockstar for a comment. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Update (3/15/21) - After a six-hour delay due to Microsoft server outages, HBO Max has begun sending access codes out to those who were invited to the virtual premiere of Zack Snyder's Justice League. “We know many of you have been waiting for this moment since 2017. Today was not how we envisioned how our virtual premiere would begin, and we want to express our sincerest apologies for any inconvenience caused by this delay," An HBO Max spokesperson wrote. "We know many of you have made special arrangements to enjoy the virtual event, and we share your disappointment that things haven’t gone as planned. "Please note: Microsoft is still resolving issues, but we don’t want to keep you waiting any longer! If you get an error message, you may have to try different devices or browsers." Original story follows. [poilib element="accentDivider"] The invite-only virtual premiere of Zack Snyder's Justice League was scheduled for earlier tonight, but outages at Microsoft have delayed it by more than four hours. This virtual premiere was happening via Microsoft Teams, but those who were expecting to finally see Zack Snyder's Justice League were met with an error message instead of the much-anticipated film. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/15/zack-snyders-justice-league-review"] "Microsoft is currently experiencing a systemwide outage affecting the platform for our virtual premiere. We will distribute access codes and links as soon as the system is restored. Thank you for your patience." The message reads. Zack Snyder himself took to Twitter to apologize for the delay, saying, "I have no words. Still waiting for info. So sorry." In our review of Zack Snyder's Justice League, we said that it "is a surprise vindication for the director and the fans that believed in his vision. With a mature approach to its superhero drama, better-realized antagonists, and improved action, Snyder’s version of Justice League saves the movie from the dustbin of history, something that likely only could’ve happened on a streaming platform like HBO Max." For more, check out Zack Snyder's explanation on why his Justice League has a cliffhanger ending despite having no sequel and 27 things we learned at IGN Fan Fest about the Snyder Cut from Zack Snyder himself. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=justice-league-snyder-cut-all-the-known-differences-from-the-theatrical-version&captions=true"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Netflix's live-action Cowboy Bebop series has finished filming its first season, according to one of the series' actors. Daniella Pineda, who is set to play Faye Valentine in the series, announced the first season has finished filming in an Instagram post on Wednesday (via Funimation). "I’m coming back on the air to say.....Season 1 of COWBOY BEBOP is finally, finished," Pineda wrote. "Gonna dip again but will return after these messages." The first season began filming way back around summer 2019. About five episodes of the series completed shooting when production shut down due to a leg injury from series star John Cho, who is playing Spike. At the time, filming was expected to be halted for 7 to 9 months. Likely as a result of COVID-19, it ended up being a full year before cameras were rolling again. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-character-and-actor-in-netflixs-cowboy-bebop-series&captions=true"] Netflix has so far greenlit a 10-episode first season for Cowboy Bebop, which currently does not have a release date. Six more cast members were recently announced to be part of the project, including who's playing Chalmers and Ana. Cowboy Bebop is joining the trend of live-action anime adaptations in the works, including One Piece, Akira and Naruto. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/11/29/netflixs-cowboy-bebop-needs-to-get-these-things-right"] Anybody looking for more traditional anime suggestions should check out IGN's list of the best anime series on Netflix right now. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Petey Oneto is a freelance writer for IGN.

Netflix's live-action Cowboy Bebop series has finished filming its first season, according to one of the series' actors. Daniella Pineda, who is set to play Faye Valentine in the series, announced the first season has finished filming in an Instagram post on Wednesday (via Funimation). "I’m coming back on the air to say.....Season 1 of COWBOY BEBOP is finally, finished," Pineda wrote. "Gonna dip again but will return after these messages." The first season began filming way back around summer 2019. About five episodes of the series completed shooting when production shut down due to a leg injury from series star John Cho, who is playing Spike. At the time, filming was expected to be halted for 7 to 9 months. Likely as a result of COVID-19, it ended up being a full year before cameras were rolling again. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-character-and-actor-in-netflixs-cowboy-bebop-series&captions=true"] Netflix has so far greenlit a 10-episode first season for Cowboy Bebop, which currently does not have a release date. Six more cast members were recently announced to be part of the project, including who's playing Chalmers and Ana. Cowboy Bebop is joining the trend of live-action anime adaptations in the works, including One Piece, Akira and Naruto. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/11/29/netflixs-cowboy-bebop-needs-to-get-these-things-right"] Anybody looking for more traditional anime suggestions should check out IGN's list of the best anime series on Netflix right now. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Petey Oneto is a freelance writer for IGN.

Toys R Us is looking to mount another comeback. The retail chain is planning to open stores in North America again under the new ownership of WHP Global, a New York-based brand management company. WHP announced Monday in a press release that it has acquired a controlling interest in Tru Kids, the parent company of Toys R Us, Babies R Us and Geoffrey the Giraffe brands. "We're in the brand business, and Toys R Us is the single most credible, trusted and beloved toy brand in the world," WHP chairman and CEO Yehuda Shmidman said. "We're coming off a year where toys are just on fire... and for Toys R Us, the U.S. is really a blank canvas." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/10/02/toys-r-us-comes-back-from-the-dead"] Shmidman laid out a plan for Toys R Us stores to reopen in North America sometime ahead of this coming holiday season. These locations could take the form of flagships, pop-ups, airport shops or mini-stores within other retailers, according to the company's early plans. Toys R Us originally closed its 700 final stores in North America in June 2018, nine months after the retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Though their presence has diminished domestically, Toys R Us and Babies R Us together still have over 900 branded stores across 25 countries worldwide. WHP claims that the Toys R Us brand generates more than $2 billion in retail sales. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-amiibo-ever&captions=true"] Since the retailer's original closures, Tru Kids has attempted to revitalize the Toys R Us brand. The company launched two pop-up Toys R Us locations in Houston, TX and Paramus, NJ during the holiday season in 2019. These stores were intended to reinvent the retailer's brand, offering more open floorspace to allow consumers to test products hands-on. Both locations shuttered as a result of bad foot traffic, a problem that was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. For more about Toys R Us, read how the retailer came to define a generation's childhood. [poilib element="accentDivider"] J. Kim Murphy is a freelance entertainment writer. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Toys R Us is looking to mount another comeback. The retail chain is planning to open stores in North America again under the new ownership of WHP Global, a New York-based brand management company. WHP announced Monday in a press release that it has acquired a controlling interest in Tru Kids, the parent company of Toys R Us, Babies R Us and Geoffrey the Giraffe brands. "We're in the brand business, and Toys R Us is the single most credible, trusted and beloved toy brand in the world," WHP chairman and CEO Yehuda Shmidman said. "We're coming off a year where toys are just on fire... and for Toys R Us, the U.S. is really a blank canvas." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/10/02/toys-r-us-comes-back-from-the-dead"] Shmidman laid out a plan for Toys R Us stores to reopen in North America sometime ahead of this coming holiday season. These locations could take the form of flagships, pop-ups, airport shops or mini-stores within other retailers, according to the company's early plans. Toys R Us originally closed its 700 final stores in North America in June 2018, nine months after the retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Though their presence has diminished domestically, Toys R Us and Babies R Us together still have over 900 branded stores across 25 countries worldwide. WHP claims that the Toys R Us brand generates more than $2 billion in retail sales. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-amiibo-ever&captions=true"] Since the retailer's original closures, Tru Kids has attempted to revitalize the Toys R Us brand. The company launched two pop-up Toys R Us locations in Houston, TX and Paramus, NJ during the holiday season in 2019. These stores were intended to reinvent the retailer's brand, offering more open floorspace to allow consumers to test products hands-on. Both locations shuttered as a result of bad foot traffic, a problem that was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. For more about Toys R Us, read how the retailer came to define a generation's childhood. [poilib element="accentDivider"] J. Kim Murphy is a freelance entertainment writer. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)