As we bid farewell to 2025, the world of celebrity news is giving us plenty to reflect on, from the quiet dignity of setting personal boundaries to the noisy chaos of social media marketing. Here is a look at the final headlines shaping the entertainment landscape as we head into the new year.
Macaulay Culkin’s New Social Contract
In a rare and candid moment, Macaulay Culkin has opened up about what it means to live in the public eye after four decades. Now 45 years old, the Home Alone star is no longer the precocious child the world once knew; he is a father of two young sons, Dakota and Carson, whom he shares with actress Brenda Song.
Culkin has reached a point of self-awareness where he feels empowered to set strict boundaries with fans to protect his peace. He explicitly asks that people do not approach him while he is eating, when he is with his children, or—most importantly—in private spaces like restrooms. By taking charge of the “social contract,” Culkin aims to guide his interactions on his own terms rather than being at the mercy of every passerby with a camera. It is a graceful reminder that even those who feel like family to us through the screen deserve the sanctity of their private lives.
The Upside Down’s Final Bow Sparks Backlash
For many, Christmas 2025 was spent in Hawkins, Indiana, as the final three episodes of Stranger Things Season 5 debuted on Netflix. However, the holiday gift wasn’t exactly what fans had on their wish lists. A wave of disappointment has hit the internet, with viewers claiming the ending felt rushed and lacked the depth they expected after a decade-long journey.
The tension has even led to a Change.org petition demanding “unreleased footage” that fans believe exists. Specific criticism has been aimed at Will’s storyline—including his coming-out moment and new powers—which many felt lacked narrative logic. Despite the outcry, the Duffer brothers have stood their ground, denying that any deleted scenes from the finale exist.
Farewells and Family Ties
The end of the year also brings news of a major Hollywood split. Mel Gibson and his partner of nine years, Rosalind Ross, have confirmed their separation. Despite the end of their romantic chapter, the pair remains committed to being the “best parents possible” for their young son.
On a brighter note of co-parenting, Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom were recently spotted together in London. The former couple enjoyed a family night out with their daughter and Bloom’s 14-year-old son, Flynn, to see the new Paddington film. It is a refreshing sight to see a modern family navigating the holidays with such unity.
The Barker-Kardashian Marketing Machine
Social media was briefly set ablaze this week by Alabama Barker, who shared a TikTok claiming her father, Travis Barker, went on a “crazy” Christmas shopping spree for her at a high-end lingerie boutique. The post immediately sparked “rage bait” reactions across the platform, as users questioned the appropriateness of the gifts.
However, the 20-year-old later clarified that it was actually Kourtney Kardashian who selected the items from Alabama’s own wish list. While Alabama expressed frustration over the public backlash, many industry observers see this as a clever—if controversial—marketing tactic to drive engagement and product visibility.
A New Chapter Awaits
As the credits roll on 2025, we even got a glimpse into the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a new teaser for Avengers: Doomsday, revealing a surprising new role for Thor as a father.
Whether it is actors reclaiming their personal space or fans fighting for a better ending to their favorite stories, the message of the year seems to be about the power of control—who has it, who wants it, and how we use it to define our own narratives.
Wishing all our readers a peaceful, healthy, and happy 2026!
Note: Information regarding the specific “rage bait” marketing strategies and opinions on the “Stranger Things” petition reflects commentary from the sources provided and should be considered as part of the cultural conversation surrounding these events.
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