ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Angela Bassett makes a triumphant return to the Mission: Impossible franchise in its eighth installment, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, which debuted in U.S. theaters on May 23, 2025. Reprising her role as Erika Sloane, Bassett’s character has taken on a commanding new role: President of the United States.

Last seen in Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018), Sloane’s absence from Dead Reckoning Part One is now explained by her meteoric rise to the nation’s highest office. In her return, she steps off Air Force One with steely presence, bringing gravitas to a storyline that pits the IMF against their most formidable adversary yet—a rogue AI known as “The Entity.” Her character’s strategic insight and moral compass ground the team amid global chaos, adding depth and intelligence to the espionage spectacle.

But no Mission: Impossible film is complete without Tom Cruise defying gravity—and expectations. Cruise, returning as Ethan Hunt, delivers what is perhaps his most jaw-dropping performance to date. Known for performing his own stunts, Cruise tops his previous feats by hanging off a WWII-era biplane in flight, racing a motorcycle off a cliff (yes, again), and free climbing the jagged cliffs of Iceland—all without a stunt double.

Director Christopher McQuarrie described Cruise’s latest aerial antics as “a ballet with death,” while fans erupted in applause during early screenings. One of the most talked-about sequences involves Cruise leaping from a speeding train as it crashes through a collapsing mountain tunnel—a scene reportedly shot using a mix of practical effects and precision stunt rigging.

The chemistry between Bassett and Cruise brings a grounded realism to the high-concept chaos. As President Sloane and Ethan Hunt navigate the political and physical minefields ahead of them, their shared sense of duty and courage anchors the emotional weight of the film.

With stunning visuals, powerful performances, and heart-stopping action, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning delivers on every front—combining high-stakes diplomacy, rogue-tech suspense, and death-defying stunts into one explosive cinematic experience. Bassett’s return only elevates the franchise, proving once again that power, poise, and purpose are the most thrilling forces of all.

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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Let the theme park wars begin!
Orlando has officially cemented itself as the Theme Park Capital of the Universe following today’s grand opening of Universal Epic Universe, the first new major theme park to open in the city in 25 years. This ambitious new addition from Universal Orlando Resort transports guests to five imaginative worlds filled with cinematic adventure, wizarding magic, video game thrills, and monstrous legends.

“This is an incredibly exciting day as we officially unveil Universal Epic Universe to the world,” said Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Orlando Resort. “Our teams have poured a decade’s worth of passion, vision and creativity into this park, and there’s truly nothing else like it.”

The Battle of the Giants: Disney vs. Universal

The debut of Epic Universe marks a pivotal chapter in Orlando’s long-running theme park rivalry between Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort.

From Magic Kingdom’s iconic Cinderella Castle to Universal’s immersive cinematic worlds, these titans have consistently raised the bar in redefining imagination and guest experiences.

This new park brings Orlando’s theme park total to nine major parks within a 25-mile radius, with both Universal and Disney continuously expanding and innovating.

The new park was announced during a press conference attended by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Tom Williams, and Brian Roberts. Governor DeSantis, Mayor Demings, and County Commissioners joined Universal Orlando executives for the announcement of the company’s fourth theme park in Orlando, Florida, August 1, 2019. Photo by Florida National News / J Willie David, III.

“Disney and Universal theme park wars are for titans, and I’m proud Orlando is where the magic is created,” said J. Willie David, III, President of Florida National News. “From California’s Disneyland to Orlando’s Disney World and now Epic Universe, we’re watching giants compete to create the next multiverse destination — and it’s Orlando’s hospitality and tourism industry that wins.”

Source: Universal’s Epic Universe

Epic Universe: Orlando’s Newest Game-Changer

Epic Universe isn’t just another theme park — it’s a bold, immersive experience featuring five groundbreaking themed lands:

• Celestial Park: A lushly landscaped world of waterways, starlight, and racing coasters.

• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic: A 1920s wizarding Paris and the British Ministry of Magic experience.

• SUPER NINTENDO WORLD: Home to Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Yoshi’s Adventure, and the U.S. debut of Donkey Kong Country.

• How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk: A Viking-themed land complete with dragon rides and shows.

• Dark Universe: A gothic horror-inspired land featuring Universal Monsters like Dracula and Frankenstein’s Monster.

And towering beside it is the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a 500-room Mediterranean-style resort with a dedicated park entrance.

Who’s the Real Champion of Theme Parks?

While Disney holds the legacy title with icons like Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios, Universal has swiftly positioned itself as an innovative rival, bringing popular franchises and cinematic experiences to life.

Epic Universe’s opening is more than a milestone — it’s another bold step in the ongoing battle between these industry titans.

Who will create the next multiverse theme park experience in Florida?
With Universal Epic Universe now open and Disney constantly expanding its parks and experiences, the battle is far from over. But one thing is certain:

Source: Universal’s Epic Universe

Orlando is the undisputed Theme Park Capital of the Universe.

“This is where the world comes to play,” added David. “And the world is watching.”

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FLORIDA NATIONAL NEWS
News@FloridaNationalNews.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – Orlando’s vibrant literary scene will take center stage this May as BookNet Fest returns for its 2025 edition. Since 2017, the annual book convention has served as a unique space for readers, writers, and content creators to come together for a two-day celebration of stories and community. This year’s festival runs May 23–24 at the Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando – Disney Springs® Area, promising dynamic panels, meaningful conversations, and a strong sense of literary camaraderie.

A highlight of this year’s event is the support from The New Romantics, a recently opened independent bookstore in Orlando dedicated entirely to romance fiction. The store is quickly becoming a beloved space for fans of the genre and is lending both heart and visibility to this year’s festivities as an official sponsor.

BookNet Fest 2025 is shaping up to be everything some recent book festivals weren’t. Following the chaos of the A Million Lives Book Festival—dubbed the “Fyre Festival of the book community” after attendees took to social media to express frustration over poor planning and mismanagement—many readers and authors are approaching book events with newfound caution. With more than 3.2 million views on the organizer’s TikTok apology and promises of refunds by May 31 from Archer Management, trust in book events is under scrutiny.

But BookNet Fest offers a reassuring contrast. Built by and for the community, the event has a track record of thoughtful programming, transparent planning, and genuine inclusivity. It’s a festival that prioritizes quality over flash—and it shows.

Among this year’s panel highlights:

• “Ask a Lawyer: Legal Landmines in the Bookish World” will give attendees a rare chance to hear from professionals on navigating contracts, copyrights, and online publishing risks.

• “Reading Under Threat” addresses the rise of book bans and censorship in the United States.

• “Sinners and the Power of Black Storytelling” explores cultural legacy and creative innovation through the lens of Black literature.

What sets BookNet Fest apart is its intimate, creator-driven feel. Unlike large-scale expos or influencer-first events, this festival thrives on meaningful connection—between fans and authors, between colleagues and creators, and between people who simply love books.

Whether you’re a lifelong reader, an aspiring novelist, or a BookTok regular, BookNet Fest 2025 offers a grounded, uplifting space to learn, connect, and be inspired.

For tickets and more information, visit booknetfest.com

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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com