In what would be a change of direction in a career celebrated and debated by her fan community, English singer Charli XCX is rumoured to be in the cast for the Netflix film Chronicles of Narnia directed by Greta Gerwig.
It would be a novel move for a musician, 32, who reached unprecedented levels of cultural importance last year as her Brat album influenced everyone from Billie Eilish to Kamala Harris. But she would not be the first pop star to move into film.
Over the past 100 years, stars of every musical genre have found varying success on the big screen. In the upper echelon sits Frank Sinatra, who won an Academy Award for his performance in From Here to Eternity. Some musicians, like Mark Wahlberg, became so successful in film that the musical careers have nearly been forgotten entirely. But there have also been near-disastrous turns, such as Taylor Swift in Cats and Mariah Carey in her much-derided 2001 box office bomb Glitter.
Eagle-eyed Charli XCX fans have seen her add a number of classic films to her Letterboxd queue in recent weeks. As she potentially prepares for her big screen debut, The National rounds up several of the best and worst acting debuts by musicians.
Best: Barbra Streisand, Funny Girl
After getting her start in nightclub shows and theatre, Barbra Streisand first found fame in the early 1960s as a singer, releasing a number of hit albums before she returned to Broadway to star in the stage version of Funny Girl in 1964. The film adaptation five years later was a smash hit, earning Streisand an Academy Award for Best Actress in her debut movie.
Worst: Kelly Clarkson, From Justin to Kelly
The first season of American Idol was a big hit, which not only launched Kelly Clarkson's career but also resulted in an oft-forgot film starring the two finalists.
Clarkson teamed up in a romantic comedy opposite her former competitor Justin Guarini in what was a critical and box office dud. Jack Matthews of the New York Daily News called it, “easily the worst beach movie ever made”.
Best: Ice Cube, Boyz n the Hood
Sincere representations of life in black neighbourhoods were not much of a thing until films like John Singleton’s Boyz n the Hood came out in the early 1990s. Areas like Compton and Inglewood were always represented from the point of view of those not living in those areas.
To give the film a touch of authenticity, among the young cast of talented actors was a young man known for his rapping talent. Ice Cube had become famous as part of the gangster rap group N. W. A, with his persona being like the character he plays in the film.
Today, Ice Cube has enjoyed a long and fruitful acting career, even paving the way for his son to become an actor too. He has also diversified his roles, moving from action to comedy to family friendly films with ease.
Worst: Rihanna, Battleship
A film based on a board game doesn’t really inspire Oscar glory, but Battleship, released in 2012, committed a bigger movie sin – it was boring.
Perhaps the biggest draw for audiences was its most unlikely star – Rihanna. In 2012, the singer was one of the biggest pop stars in the world and could seemingly do no wrong. Her film debut, however, was a sinking ship, pun intended.
It’s a small grace that she has massively improved her acting skills since then, appearing in a fun alien role in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, as well as the all-female heist caper Ocean’s 8.
Best: Prince, Purple Rain
In the early 1980s, Prince was one of music's biggest stars, but he felt that he was not getting the respect he deserved. With the 1984 album Purple Rain, he aimed to change that, cementing himself not only as a rock star with his accompanying band, but a leading man. The Minneapolis-born singer plays a character loosely based on himself called The Kid.
The film was popular upon release, even earning an Oscar for Best Music, Original Song Score at the 1985 Academy Awards. For years, pop stars and rappers have since tried to emulate the film and its success, with the biggest example being Eminem in 8 Mile.
Worst: Vanilla Ice, Cool As Ice
Purple Rain also has a number of failed imitators. In 1991, the Ice Ice Baby rapper appeared in this film directed by David Kellogg about a rapper who ends up in a small town while riding his motorcycle.
Critics derided Vanilla Ice's performance and the film remains in the cultural memory mainly as an oddity, partially thanks to its unforgettable tagline: “When a girl has a heart of stone, there’s only one way to melt it. Just add ice.”
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
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At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
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How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Russia's Muslim Heartlands
Dominic Rubin, Oxford
Celta Vigo 2
Castro (45'), Aspas (82')
Barcelona 2
Dembele (36'), Alcacer (64')
Red card: Sergi Roberto (Barcelona)
THE SPECS
Engine: Four-cylinder 2.5-litre
Transmission: Seven-speed auto
Power: 165hp
Torque: 241Nm
Price: Dh99,900 to Dh134,000
On sale: now
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin
Director: Shawn Levy
Rating: 3/5
THE SPECS
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Transmission: six-speed manual
Power: 325bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Speed: 0-100km/h 3.9 seconds
Price: Dh230,000
On sale: now
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Results
57kg quarter-finals
Zakaria Eljamari (UAE) beat Hamed Al Matari (YEM) by points 3-0.
60kg quarter-finals
Ibrahim Bilal (UAE) beat Hyan Aljmyah (SYR) RSC round 2.
63.5kg quarter-finals
Nouredine Samir (UAE) beat Shamlan A Othman (KUW) by points 3-0.
67kg quarter-finals
Mohammed Mardi (UAE) beat Ahmad Ondash (LBN) by points 2-1.
71kg quarter-finals
Ahmad Bahman (UAE) defeated Lalthasanga Lelhchhun (IND) by points 3-0.
Amine El Moatassime (UAE) beat Seyed Kaveh Safakhaneh (IRI) by points 3-0.
81kg quarter-finals
Ilyass Habibali (UAE) beat Ahmad Hilal (PLE) by points 3-0
Results:
6.30pm: Mazrat Al Ruwayah (PA) | Group 2 | US$55,000 (Dirt) | 1,600 metres
Winner: AF Al Sajanjle, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
7.05pm: Meydan Sprint (TB) | Group 2 | $250,000 (Turf) | 1,000m
Winner: Blue Point, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
7.40pm: Firebreak Stakes | Group 3 | $200,000 (D) | 1,600m
Winner: Muntazah, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson
8.15pm: Meydan Trophy Conditions (TB) | $100,000 (T) | 1,900m
Winner: Art Du Val, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
8.50pm: Balanchine Group 2 (TB) | $250,000 (T) | 1,800m
Winner: Poetic Charm, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) | $135,000 (D) | 1,200m
Winner: Lava Spin, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
10pm: Handicap (TB) | $175,000 (T) | 2,410m
Winner: Mountain Hunter, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
THE BIO:
Sabri Razouk, 74
Athlete and fitness trainer
Married, father of six
Favourite exercise: Bench press
Must-eat weekly meal: Steak with beans, carrots, broccoli, crust and corn
Power drink: A glass of yoghurt
Role model: Any good man
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
ATP WORLD No 1
2004 Roger Federer
2005 Roger Federer
2006 Roger Federer
2007 Roger Federer
2008 Rafael Nadal
2009 Roger Federer
2010 Rafael Nadal
2011 Novak Djokovic
2012 Novak Djokovic
2013 Rafael Nadal
2014 Novak Djokovic
2015 Novak Djokovic
2016 Andy Murray
2017 Rafael Nadal
2018 Novak Djokovic
2019 Rafael Nadal
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
'Skin'
Dir: Guy Nattiv
Starring: Jamie Bell, Danielle McDonald, Bill Camp, Vera Farmiga
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Student Of The Year 2
Director: Punit Malhotra
Stars: Tiger Shroff, Tara Sutaria, Ananya Pandey, Aditya Seal
1.5 stars
