Aaron Carter, Singer and Brother of Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter, Dies at 34
Aaron Carter, the singer behind the triple-platinum album 'Aaron's Party (Come and Get It) and the brother of Backstreet Boys' Nick Carter, has died at the age of 34.
As reported by THR and TMZ, Carter was found dead at his home in Lancaster, CA, on Saturday, November 5. TMZ's sources say his body was found in his bathtub.
Aaron Carter was born on December 7, 1987, in Tampa, FL, and his career got off to a quick start after he opened for Backstreet Boys in Berlin on a 1997 tour. A year later, he released his first album, 'Aaron Carter,' and achieved gold status (over one million sold) in Norway, Spain, Denmark, Canada, and Germany.
His second studio album, 'Aaron's Party (Come Get It)' was a mega-hit and sold more than three million copies in the U.S. alone and was certified triple-platinum by RIAA. The album featured such songs as 'I Want Candy,' 'Aaron's Party (Come Get It),' and 'That's How I Beat Shaq.'
The album would lead him to be an opening act for both Backstreet Boys and then Britney Spears on her Oops!... I Did It Again Tour.
He tried out an acting career and appeared in such shows as Lizzie McGuire, in the E! unscripted series House of Carters, and even on Broadway as JoJo the Who in Seussical the Musical. In 2009, he competed on ABC's Dancing With the Stars (he finished fifth) and, in 2012, on Food Network's Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off.
Carter had a few legal troubles, including a time in 2017 when he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and marijuana charges. He also went to rehab numerous times and even spoke on The Doctors talk show to "set the record straight about his July [2017] arrest, drug abuse allegations, extreme weight loss, family issues, his sexuality and to hopefully gain a better understanding his health issues."
Aaron Carter is survived by his son, Prince.
Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.
Aaron Carter, Singer and Brother of Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter, Dies at 34
Aaron Carter, the singer behind the triple-platinum album 'Aaron's Party (Come and Get It) and the brother of Backstreet Boys' Nick Carter, has died at the age of 34.
As reported by THR and TMZ, Carter was found dead at his home in Lancaster, CA, on Saturday, November 5. TMZ's sources say his body was found in his bathtub.
Aaron Carter was born on December 7, 1987, in Tampa, FL, and his career got off to a quick start after he opened for Backstreet Boys in Berlin on a 1997 tour. A year later, he released his first album, 'Aaron Carter,' and achieved gold status (over one million sold) in Norway, Spain, Denmark, Canada, and Germany.
His second studio album, 'Aaron's Party (Come Get It)' was a mega-hit and sold more than three million copies in the U.S. alone and was certified triple-platinum by RIAA. The album featured such songs as 'I Want Candy,' 'Aaron's Party (Come Get It),' and 'That's How I Beat Shaq.'
The album would lead him to be an opening act for both Backstreet Boys and then Britney Spears on her Oops!... I Did It Again Tour.
He tried out an acting career and appeared in such shows as Lizzie McGuire, in the E! unscripted series House of Carters, and even on Broadway as JoJo the Who in Seussical the Musical. In 2009, he competed on ABC's Dancing With the Stars (he finished fifth) and, in 2012, on Food Network's Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off.
Carter had a few legal troubles, including a time in 2017 when he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and marijuana charges. He also went to rehab numerous times and even spoke on The Doctors talk show to "set the record straight about his July [2017] arrest, drug abuse allegations, extreme weight loss, family issues, his sexuality and to hopefully gain a better understanding his health issues."
Aaron Carter is survived by his son, Prince.
Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.
Quentin Tarantino Has No Interest in Making a Marvel or DC Movie: ‘I’m Not a Hired Hand’
Famed director Quentin Tarantino has shared that he has no interest in making a Marvel or DC movie as he is "not a hired hand."
Speaking to the Los Angeles Times about his new book Cinema Speculation, the director behind such films as Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, and many more, made it clear that he is not interested in jumping into the world of superheroes.
“You have to be a hired hand to do those things,” Tarantino says. “I’m not a hired hand. I’m not looking for a job.”
He then went on to discuss the possible change in the tides in regards to superhero movies and how they may, one day in the far future, have a similar fate as musicals in the '60s.
According to Tarantino, just as "60s anti-establishment auteurs rejoiced when studio musical adaptations fell out of favor, today’s filmmakers 'can’t wait for the day they can say that about superhero movies.'"
Tarantino continued to admit "the writing's not quite on the wall yet" for superhero movies and that we aren't quite yet where we were in 1969 when many were saying, ‘Oh, my God, we just put a bunch of money into things that nobody gives a damn about anymore.’”
Superhero movies, especially from Marvel and DC, are obviously still dominating the box office, with Black Adam earning over $260 million globally and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever set to make another billion if it can reach the heights of the original.
While superheroes may not be his thing, Tarantino almost went into outer space with a Star Trek movie, but that project appears to have been shelved for now.
Tarantino's last film was Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and his new book, Cinema Speculation, is described as follows;
"At once film criticism, film theory, a feat of reporting, and wonderful personal history, it is all written in the singular voice recognizable immediately as QT's and with the rare perspective about cinema possible only from one of the greatest practitioners of the artform ever."
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.
Quentin Tarantino Has No Interest in Making a Marvel or DC Movie: ‘I’m Not a Hired Hand’
Famed director Quentin Tarantino has shared that he has no interest in making a Marvel or DC movie as he is "not a hired hand."
Speaking to the Los Angeles Times about his new book Cinema Speculation, the director behind such films as Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, and many more, made it clear that he is not interested in jumping into the world of superheroes.
“You have to be a hired hand to do those things,” Tarantino says. “I’m not a hired hand. I’m not looking for a job.”
He then went on to discuss the possible change in the tides in regards to superhero movies and how they may, one day in the far future, have a similar fate as musicals in the '60s.
According to Tarantino, just as "60s anti-establishment auteurs rejoiced when studio musical adaptations fell out of favor, today’s filmmakers 'can’t wait for the day they can say that about superhero movies.'"
Tarantino continued to admit "the writing's not quite on the wall yet" for superhero movies and that we aren't quite yet where we were in 1969 when many were saying, ‘Oh, my God, we just put a bunch of money into things that nobody gives a damn about anymore.’”
Superhero movies, especially from Marvel and DC, are obviously still dominating the box office, with Black Adam earning over $260 million globally and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever set to make another billion if it can reach the heights of the original.
While superheroes may not be his thing, Tarantino almost went into outer space with a Star Trek movie, but that project appears to have been shelved for now.
Tarantino's last film was Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and his new book, Cinema Speculation, is described as follows;
"At once film criticism, film theory, a feat of reporting, and wonderful personal history, it is all written in the singular voice recognizable immediately as QT's and with the rare perspective about cinema possible only from one of the greatest practitioners of the artform ever."
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.
Overwatch 2 Announces New Tank Hero, Ramattra
Blizzard has unveiled the next hero to join its lineup, the leader of Null Sector, Ramattra.
As teased in the lore, Ramattra is the leader of the organization Null Sector. Like Zenyatta, Ramattra is a Shambli monk who no longer sees the option of peacefully advocating for the rights of Omnics, and has now taken a more "pragmatic angle," according to the Overwatch blog announcing his reveal.
"Originally a war machine, Ramattra shed his munitions for a shield to protect his people by promoting peace and tranquility," Blizzard writes. "However, Ramattra's story is one of hardships, trauma, and a magnified view of humanity's harsh realities."
While Blizzard has only shared a cinematic trailer showcasing Ramattra's backstory and origins, IGN was part of a media roundtable with Overwatch 2 hero designer Alec Dawson who revealed Ramattra will have two forms players can switch between.
"He does have two forms. He has an Omnic form and his Nemesis form. Part of the skill we're testing is when to switch between those forms. Because the Omnic form, you're playing this poke game, you're protecting your team, a little bit at range. And then the Nemesis form you're rushing down the enemies, you're charging in there and you have these punches."
The leader of Null Sector is on a mission to create a better world for Omnics… no matter the cost.
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) November 5, 2022
Coming to #Overwatch2 Season 2, Dec 6.
Learn more about Ramattra: https://t.co/knlwDbfQtk pic.twitter.com/jwnQTmluG2
Ramattra will be the fourth new hero introduced since the launch of Overwatch 2 along with Sojourn, Junker Queen, and Kiriko. According to Blizzard, the team wants to release either a new map or hero in alternating seasons.
Overwatch 2 is finally live, fully replacing the original Overwatch though players are still waiting for the narrative-driven PvE mode.
Matt T.M. Kim is IGN's News Editor. You can reach him @lawoftd.
Overwatch 2 Announces New Tank Hero, Ramattra
Blizzard has unveiled the next hero to join its lineup, the leader of Null Sector, Ramattra.
As teased in the lore, Ramattra is the leader of the organization Null Sector. Like Zenyatta, Ramattra is a Shambli monk who no longer sees the option of peacefully advocating for the rights of Omnics, and has now taken a more "pragmatic angle," according to the Overwatch blog announcing his reveal.
"Originally a war machine, Ramattra shed his munitions for a shield to protect his people by promoting peace and tranquility," Blizzard writes. "However, Ramattra's story is one of hardships, trauma, and a magnified view of humanity's harsh realities."
While Blizzard has only shared a cinematic trailer showcasing Ramattra's backstory and origins, IGN was part of a media roundtable with Overwatch 2 hero designer Alec Dawson who revealed Ramattra will have two forms players can switch between.
"He does have two forms. He has an Omnic form and his Nemesis form. Part of the skill we're testing is when to switch between those forms. Because the Omnic form, you're playing this poke game, you're protecting your team, a little bit at range. And then the Nemesis form you're rushing down the enemies, you're charging in there and you have these punches."
The leader of Null Sector is on a mission to create a better world for Omnics… no matter the cost.
— Overwatch (@PlayOverwatch) November 5, 2022
Coming to #Overwatch2 Season 2, Dec 6.
Learn more about Ramattra: https://t.co/knlwDbfQtk pic.twitter.com/jwnQTmluG2
Ramattra will be the fourth new hero introduced since the launch of Overwatch 2 along with Sojourn, Junker Queen, and Kiriko. According to Blizzard, the team wants to release either a new map or hero in alternating seasons.
Overwatch 2 is finally live, fully replacing the original Overwatch though players are still waiting for the narrative-driven PvE mode.
Matt T.M. Kim is IGN's News Editor. You can reach him @lawoftd.
The Best Twitter Alternatives to Try as the Bird App Tumbles
If you haven't been keeping up with all of the latest Twitter news, Twitter is under new ownership. Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk officially owns the bird app. Musk has made several announcements following the buyout, such as layoffs, plans to charge people for Twitter verification as part of Twitter Blue, and possibly reviving Vine, among other things. His choices have even lead to mass resignations that have left us wondering if Twitter will even survive.
Many users have expressed gripes with Musk acquiring Twitter and plan to leave rather than stay on the bird app and see what happens, with some users already departing following Musk's takeover of the social media app. If you have no desire to stay on Twitter and are looking for an alternative, you're probably wondering what your options are. Outside of Discord, Facebook, Instagram, Parler, TikTok, and Truth Social, there are a few other places to consider that could fill your void as a potential Twitter alternative.
Mastodon
A self-hosted social networking site initially launched in 2016, Mastodon is one of the closer alternatives with a concept akin to what you may be familiar with if you are an avid user of Twitter (and similar apps like Truth Social).
Important to note with Mastodon that you will need to join a specific server, kinda like Discord in a sense, where servers are run by one or more people (or even an organization) with moderation controlled by those that run the server. And like Discord, there is no limit to how many servers you can join. Mastodon also includes microblogging features like Twitter, where you can see people sharing updates on a feed in the server you joined.
Cohost
Cohost is a new social media network that is not in a full release but still a beta version. You can sign-up no invite code or anything is required. But the catch is that you need to wait at least a day before you can actually post there. Creating an account will allow you to examine the site and what it offers, but you won't be able to post just yet after verifying your account.
Cohost! is similiar to Twitter with the ability to see what people you follow are posting. Cohost's website also notes future features coming down the pipeline, including a virtual tip-jar and subscription-type feature where you can share posts exclusively with those that are subscribed to you (kinda like Patreon).
Most people reading this are likely familiar with Reddit. While its functionality is nothing remotely close to Twitter, Reddit is a popular website for those that want to interact with people on a specific interest or topic. With subreddits for various things, from hobbies to fandoms and more. Like Mastodon, moderation is done by moderators. Each subreddit has its own rules you must follow or risk being kicked out of the subreddit.
Tumblr
Part microblogging and part social media site, Tumblr launched back in 2007. While it is more of a blog, and the concept is somewhat like MySpace (to a degree), Tumblr does offer a feed that allows you to see recent posts from people you follow. You can even add to posts by inserting your own text or adding a piece of media like a photo or GIF.
Clubhouse
Clubhouse is a bit more interesting than the others mentioned because this app is primarily audio-centric and it is only available on smartphones and tablets. Released around the height of COVID-19, Clubhouse's concept is similar to that of the Twitter Spaces feature.
The big feature of Clubhouse is "Rooms," where someone can start a virtual room to discuss a certain topic(s). The rooms offer different degrees of privacy, too: "Open" means that anyone on Clubhouse can join in, "Social Rooms" are exclusive to moderators, and "Closed" are invite-only, where users of the app need to be invited by a moderator into the room.
Clubhouse also has three sections — those speaking are on the "stage," while "followed by speakers" displays a bunch of users that may be followed by an individual(s) currently speaking in the room. While "others in the room" are individuals not following anyone in the room but are stopping by to listen.
Events and a Backchannel are also featured and available on the app. Events allow an individual to schedule an upcoming conversation/room so people can mark it on their calendars. While Backchannel is a messaging feature that allows you to send a message to one person or a group chat.
Outside of virtual rooms, you can join based on hobbies and interests, there is also a "Clubs" feature that allows you to join a Club based on a certain topic(s). Some clubs are open to anyone, while others require an invite-only or you have to "apply" to be accepted.
Bluesky
So, this is not an alternative you can use right now. But it is important to keep a close eye on Bluesky. Not only is it created by Twitter co-founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey, but Dorsey launched the project back in 2019 as a way to decentralize the bird app. It is also important to note that Twitter is funding the project; whether or not Musk will continue to fund it is up in the air. But if you are curious to see what Bluesky could be, you can sign up and join the waitlist for a chance to test a beta build of the app.
Taylor is the Associate Tech Editor at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
The Best Twitter Alternatives to Try as the Bird App Tumbles
If you haven't been keeping up with all of the latest Twitter news, Twitter is under new ownership. Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk officially owns the bird app. Musk has made several announcements following the buyout, such as layoffs, plans to charge people for Twitter verification as part of Twitter Blue, and possibly reviving Vine, among other things. His choices have even lead to mass resignations that have left us wondering if Twitter will even survive.
Many users have expressed gripes with Musk acquiring Twitter and plan to leave rather than stay on the bird app and see what happens, with some users already departing following Musk's takeover of the social media app. If you have no desire to stay on Twitter and are looking for an alternative, you're probably wondering what your options are. Outside of Discord, Facebook, Instagram, Parler, TikTok, and Truth Social, there are a few other places to consider that could fill your void as a potential Twitter alternative.
Mastodon
A self-hosted social networking site initially launched in 2016, Mastodon is one of the closer alternatives with a concept akin to what you may be familiar with if you are an avid user of Twitter (and similar apps like Truth Social).
Important to note with Mastodon that you will need to join a specific server, kinda like Discord in a sense, where servers are run by one or more people (or even an organization) with moderation controlled by those that run the server. And like Discord, there is no limit to how many servers you can join. Mastodon also includes microblogging features like Twitter, where you can see people sharing updates on a feed in the server you joined.
Cohost
Cohost is a new social media network that is not in a full release but still a beta version. You can sign-up no invite code or anything is required. But the catch is that you need to wait at least a day before you can actually post there. Creating an account will allow you to examine the site and what it offers, but you won't be able to post just yet after verifying your account.
Cohost! is similiar to Twitter with the ability to see what people you follow are posting. Cohost's website also notes future features coming down the pipeline, including a virtual tip-jar and subscription-type feature where you can share posts exclusively with those that are subscribed to you (kinda like Patreon).
Most people reading this are likely familiar with Reddit. While its functionality is nothing remotely close to Twitter, Reddit is a popular website for those that want to interact with people on a specific interest or topic. With subreddits for various things, from hobbies to fandoms and more. Like Mastodon, moderation is done by moderators. Each subreddit has its own rules you must follow or risk being kicked out of the subreddit.
Tumblr
Part microblogging and part social media site, Tumblr launched back in 2007. While it is more of a blog, and the concept is somewhat like MySpace (to a degree), Tumblr does offer a feed that allows you to see recent posts from people you follow. You can even add to posts by inserting your own text or adding a piece of media like a photo or GIF.
Clubhouse
Clubhouse is a bit more interesting than the others mentioned because this app is primarily audio-centric and it is only available on smartphones and tablets. Released around the height of COVID-19, Clubhouse's concept is similar to that of the Twitter Spaces feature.
The big feature of Clubhouse is "Rooms," where someone can start a virtual room to discuss a certain topic(s). The rooms offer different degrees of privacy, too: "Open" means that anyone on Clubhouse can join in, "Social Rooms" are exclusive to moderators, and "Closed" are invite-only, where users of the app need to be invited by a moderator into the room.
Clubhouse also has three sections — those speaking are on the "stage," while "followed by speakers" displays a bunch of users that may be followed by an individual(s) currently speaking in the room. While "others in the room" are individuals not following anyone in the room but are stopping by to listen.
Events and a Backchannel are also featured and available on the app. Events allow an individual to schedule an upcoming conversation/room so people can mark it on their calendars. While Backchannel is a messaging feature that allows you to send a message to one person or a group chat.
Outside of virtual rooms, you can join based on hobbies and interests, there is also a "Clubs" feature that allows you to join a Club based on a certain topic(s). Some clubs are open to anyone, while others require an invite-only or you have to "apply" to be accepted.
Bluesky
So, this is not an alternative you can use right now. But it is important to keep a close eye on Bluesky. Not only is it created by Twitter co-founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey, but Dorsey launched the project back in 2019 as a way to decentralize the bird app. It is also important to note that Twitter is funding the project; whether or not Musk will continue to fund it is up in the air. But if you are curious to see what Bluesky could be, you can sign up and join the waitlist for a chance to test a beta build of the app.
Taylor is the Associate Tech Editor at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
Lionsgate Is Interested in a Major John Wick Video Game Adaptation
While Lionsgate still has two more John Wick movies on their way, the studio is reportedly also considering a "big AAA game" based on the franchise.
During an earnings call today, Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer mentioned that the company has been discussing proposals for the game, though nothing is set in stone yet.
"I don’t want to get ahead of myself here, but we believe there is a big AAA game to be made out of ‘John Wick,'" Feltheimer said during the call, according to a report by IndieWire. "We have been fielding proposals. We certainly are interested in moving that forward, but I don’t want to say anything more about that at this time.”
As IndieWire pointed out, if Lionsgate goes through with the game, it would mark the first time the action-heavy franchise has been turned into an AAA title. Bithell Games already created John Wick Hex, a strategy game based on the John Wick movie series. However, the Lionsgate game would have a much larger budget.
IGN gave John Wick Hex a 6.8 in our review calling it a "simple, smart" strategy game that lacked polish.
Since the franchise began with the release of John Wick in 2014, its three movies have been box-office hits. We gave John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum an 8.5 in our review, calling it "chock full of inventive set-pieces and brutal kills." John Wick: Chapter 4 is also slated to release in 2023 after being delayed by nearly a year.
Amelia Zollner is a freelance writer at IGN who loves all things indie and Nintendo. Outside of IGN, they've contributed to sites like Polygon and Rock Paper Shotgun. Find them on Twitter: @ameliazollner.
Lionsgate Is Interested in a Major John Wick Video Game Adaptation
While Lionsgate still has two more John Wick movies on their way, the studio is reportedly also considering a "big AAA game" based on the franchise.
During an earnings call today, Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer mentioned that the company has been discussing proposals for the game, though nothing is set in stone yet.
"I don’t want to get ahead of myself here, but we believe there is a big AAA game to be made out of ‘John Wick,'" Feltheimer said during the call, according to a report by IndieWire. "We have been fielding proposals. We certainly are interested in moving that forward, but I don’t want to say anything more about that at this time.”
As IndieWire pointed out, if Lionsgate goes through with the game, it would mark the first time the action-heavy franchise has been turned into an AAA title. Bithell Games already created John Wick Hex, a strategy game based on the John Wick movie series. However, the Lionsgate game would have a much larger budget.
IGN gave John Wick Hex a 6.8 in our review calling it a "simple, smart" strategy game that lacked polish.
Since the franchise began with the release of John Wick in 2014, its three movies have been box-office hits. We gave John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum an 8.5 in our review, calling it "chock full of inventive set-pieces and brutal kills." John Wick: Chapter 4 is also slated to release in 2023 after being delayed by nearly a year.
Amelia Zollner is a freelance writer at IGN who loves all things indie and Nintendo. Outside of IGN, they've contributed to sites like Polygon and Rock Paper Shotgun. Find them on Twitter: @ameliazollner.