Latest news with #Vanished
The Guardian
11-06-2025
- Science
- The Guardian
‘A billionaire will pay a lot of money to shoot a recreated being': historian Sadiah Qureshi on extinction and empire
Would you bring an extinct species back to life if you could? If so, which species would you pick? Prof Sadiah Qureshi has taken to asking her friends, students and complete strangers this question because, she says, their answers reveal a lot about how we understand extinction. Some choose a dinosaur, others pick a species like the dodo, killed off by humans. Almost no one chooses a plant or insect. The very idea of de-extinction, Qureshi says, raises profound questions about the meaning of extinction and how we treat life, whether living, endangered, dead or extinct. How, she asks, did human beings come to think of ourselves as survivors in a world where species can vanish forever? This is the subject of her new book, Vanished: An Unnatural History of Extinction, which traces the entanglements of race, empire and colonialism to better understand extinction. 'Every time we save a way of being or mourn the passing of a natural kind, whether a species or otherwise, we make decisions rooted in our emotional attachments, or our perceptions of that natural kind's value – whether commercial, aesthetic, or ecological,' she writes. Extinction is not simply a scientific puzzle, Qureshi argues – it is political and philosophical. Qureshi grew up in Handsworth, Birmingham, and was taught by her father to respect all living beings – a conviction that underpins the book and that we keep coming back to during our conversation, which takes place as we perch on one of the large rocks that line the garden of the Natural History Museum in London. Qureshi studied natural sciences at Cambridge – a place she initially hated as an undergraduate, she says, feeling she was among the 'most entrenched, ossified forms of whiteness'. She also didn't enjoy her subject: she didn't like lab work, her experiments often went wrong, and she realised quickly that she wasn't going to be a research scientist. She decided to study the history and philosophy of science, found her people and stayed at the university for her PhD. Now based at the University of Manchester she is, she thinks, the first woman of Pakistani heritage in the country to become a history professor. Before seeing me, Qureshi squeezed in a visit to Hope, the famous whale skeleton suspended over the museum's main hall. 'As Hope hovers above the museum's visitors', she writes in Vanished, 'she shows what is possible when we forgo valuing species for their economic significance and instead consider them as ways of being worthy of life'. Whales, pushed nearly to extinction by the profitable commercial whaling industry, were brought back from this cliff edge thanks to mass campaigning. But we don't care for all life this way. The Earth is going through a sixth mass extinction of wildlife, with more than 500 species of land animals found by scientists in 2020 to be on the brink of extinction and likely to be lost within 20 years. In the previous five mass extinction periods, rates of loss were higher than normal, with at least 75% of species going extinct over a geologically short period of time. These extinctions were unavoidable, caused by rapid and significant changes in the climate, among other factors, and driven by natural processes. But the current crisis is an unnatural extinction that human beings have produced through an economy focused on resource extraction, intensive land use and pollution, among other things. Yet many of our stories about extinction focus less on the political nature of the issue and more on heroic scientists discovering lost species and formulating new theories about why they went extinct, she explains in the book. In Vanished, which is both highly readable and academically rigorous, she gives us a new story. According to Qureshi, animal extinction should not be treated as a separate historical development from human extermination, as it often is. Long before social Darwinism's theory of natural selection, colonialists across North America predicted that Indigenous peoples were going extinct and that this was evidence of God's natural law, leaving the spoils of the land for white Europeans. Such reasoning rationalised genocide and persecution because, the argument went, as empires expanded, these peoples would die out anyway. 'That's a very, very different justification for imperialism than saying 'we want resources', [though] obviously, all of those things are linked,' she says. These arguments about extinction helped produce the exceptional violence of settler colonialism, Qureshi says, and they are relevant for thinking about species loss today. 'Who we think are worthy subjects of conservation [is] deeply rooted in past political projects,' she says. The very concept of the national park, for example, was at least partly related to the expectation that Indigenous peoples would soon be extinct. Campaigners imagined the parks as pristine, unpeopled wildernesses. Yosemite, the first US national park, established in 1864, was home to Miwok groups, but their villages were razed and former inhabitants starved or frozen. They were depicted as 'historic ghosts', Qureshi writes, not the 'presently dispossessed'. Too often, conservation efforts write Indigenous people out of the story once again, she argues. And while de-extinction, bringing a species back to life, might sound exciting, for Qureshi it's a form of avoidance that doesn't require we change our current relationships with the natural world. It would be awe-inspiring if the woolly mammoth roamed the earth in the not-so-distant future (which is the aim of one biotech company), but it is never going to come back as it was. It would be 'a new form of life that is genetically engineered and would be intellectual property', Qureshi says. 'What kind of life will that being be able to lead? … And, you know, at some point, some billionaire is going to pay a lot of money to shoot one of these recreated beings.' Science alone doesn't offer the way forward, she argues. It isn't inherently objective, even though that's how it's regularly imagined, especially now, in what Qureshi calls 'a moment of resurging biological tyranny' – referencing the biological essentialism of the fight over trans rights and the re-emergence of eugenics. But she acknowledges that scientific research must be defended when it is under attack, as it is now, because it can still provide us with valuable knowledge. 'Historians and philosophers and sociologists of science have long interrogated attempts to seek authority in science,' she explains. 'That doesn't mean to say that there's not some material reality out there, but … the way that we engage with that world is culturally and historically specific.' We need to respect, not try to control, nature, she argues. For Qureshi, rewilding is one option, as are smaller-scale changes, such as nurturing gardens to make them as welcoming as possible to insects. 'If you really, deeply care about the people around you, about life around you, you will treat it differently to the way than we're doing,' she says, 'and get away from the exploitative ways of living in the modern world that are damaging to the planet … Paying attention to the life around us and recalibrating how we value that life is just as powerful as having more scientific research'.
Daily Mirror
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
The Big Bang Theory's Kaley Cuoco lands role in new 'gripping' thriller
Kaley Cuoco is set to star in an edge-of-your-seat, suspenseful thriller for Prime Video, the streaming service has announced. Fans of The Big Bang Theory are buzzing with excitement as it's been revealed that Kaley Cuoco, famed for her role as Penny, is diving into a thrilling new venture titled Vanished. The upcoming series boasts an impressive cast including Peaky Blinders' heartthrob Sam Claflin. Set to premiere on Prime Video next year, Vanished will be available in the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Joining the stellar lineup are Matthias Schweighöfer from Germany, Simon Abkarian of Casino Royale fame, and Dar Zuzovsky, known for Corduroy. In Vanished, Kaley Cuoco steps into the shoes of Alice, whose Parisian romantic escape spirals into chaos when her boyfriend Tom, played by Claflin, vanishes without a trace. As Alice delves deeper, she unravels startling truths about the man she thought she knew inside out. The series is the brainchild of creators David Hilton and Preston Thompson. Tushar Jindal, Head of Content Acquisitions for Prime Video UK, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: "With Kaley and Sam leading an incredible cast, this gripping thriller will keep viewers guessing at every turn. "We can't wait for audiences to be swept up in the mystery." Since The Big Bang Theory wrapped up in 2019, Cuoco, now 39, has remained in the spotlight with roles in shows like 8 Simple Rules, The Flight Attendant, and Charmed. Off-screen, she's enjoying life with actor beau Tom Pelphrey, and they welcomed their daughter Matilda in 2023. Beyond acting, Cuoco has ventured into entrepreneurship with her pet product line, Oh Norman! Peaky Blinders star Claflin, known for his roles in The Hunger Games, Me Before You and Daisy Jones and the Six, is also making headlines. Prime Video has announced that production on Vanished has kicked off in Marseille, France, and it's set to be a four-part series. Big Bang Theory's Cuoco, who played Penny, admitted she was "in a state of shock" when she found out the show was ending. Recalling the moment Jim Parsons revealed he didn't think he could continue with the series, Cuoco told Variety: "I was so shocked that I was literally like, 'Continue on with what?'" "Like, I didn't even know what he was talking about. I looked at Chuck: 'Wow. I thought we were - I'm so blown away right now,'" she added.
Perth Now
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Big Bang Theory star Kaley Cuoco to make huge comeback in new mystery thriller for Prime Video
Kaley Cuoco is to star in a new mystery thriller for Prime Video. The 39-year-old actress - who is perhaps best known for her role as Penny on the hit sitcom 'The Big Bang Theory' - will soon be seen starring alongside Sam Claflin of 'Peaky Blinders' fame in the upcoming series 'Vanished' on Amazon's streaming platform. Tushar Jindal, Head of Content Acquisitions, Prime Video UK said: 'With Kaley and Sam leading an incredible cast, this gripping thriller will keep viewers guessing at every turn. We're delighted to bring Vanished to Prime Video in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Canada and we can't wait for audiences to be swept up in the mystery!" When a couple's trip to Paris takes a dark turn with the sudden disappearance of her boyfriend Tom (Claflin) aboard a train to the south of France, Alice (Cuoco) is plunged into a web of intrigue and danger, uncovering secrets about the man she thought she knew. Production is underway in Marseille, France for the four-part series and it is expected that it will debut on the streaming platform in the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand at some point in 2026. The new role will act as something of a comeback for Kaley, who has not been seen since 'Based On A True Story' concluded its two-season run towards the end of last year. Prior to that, Kaley - who has 18-month-old daughter Matilda with her fiancé Tom Pelphrey - starred in the film 'Role Play' alongside David Oyelowo. But the star - who shot to fame as a teenager with her role on the long-running sitcom '8 Simple Rules' - reverently admitted that she would be happy to return to her signature role as Penny on 'The Big Bang Theory', more than five years after it came to an end. She told PEOPLE: "I would absolutely reprise that role. '100%. I love that character, and I always will.'
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Comedy InvAsian' Preps Season 3 As Co-Creator Quentin Lee Gears Up For France-Canada Lab At Series Mania
EXCLUSIVE: Canada's Quentin Lee has touched down at Series Mania this week with scripted show Morning, Paris! and a third season of their stand-up show Comedy InvAsian in their back pocket. The director-producer's Margin Films has again teamed with Comedy InvAsian co-creator and showrunner Koji Steven Sakai from Little Nalu Pictures and exec producer Victor Elizade from Viva Pictures on the show, which spotlights AAPI comedians doing 30-minute sets in each episode. Lee is the director. More from Deadline Amanda Seyfried Never Thought She Would Play A Cop: "The Industry Sees You In A Certain Way Through The Years" Blue Ant Media Going Public Through Reverse Takeover Of Boat Rocker Media; Boat Rocker Studios Set For MBO Kaley Cuoco, Sam Claflin, Karin Viard & Matthias Schweighöfer Set For 'Vanished'; AGC Launching Hot TV Package For Series Mania Ahead Of France Shoot The show is produced by Little Nalu Pictures and distributed by Viva Pictures Distribution. It was the TV debut of AAPI comedians such as Atsuko Okatsuka, Joey Guila, Robin Tran and Jiaoying Summers. Seasons 1 and 2 premiered on Hulu as an exclusive in 2018, and both are now streaming on Peacock, Tubi and Prime Video. Season 3 is set for principal photography in July. 'With Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) a hot-button in the national discussion, it's even more important that shows like Comedy InvAsian III exist, said Sakai. 'Asian American diversity in television broadens narratives, enriches our culture, and inspires future generations to embrace their heritage.' 'We're incredibly proud to help bring this next wave of talented comedians to a global stage,' added Elizade, President of Viva Pictures. 'Comedy has the unique power to connect us through shared laughter, while also spotlighting personal experiences that are as diverse as they are universally relatable. There's nothing better than comedy that cracks you up and opens your eyes – and Comedy InvAsian III does both.' Elizalde also produces Entre Nos, the LatinX stand-up comedy show that runs on HBO. 'I'm thrilled to be working with the original gangstas who started the Comedy InvAsian party and having some fun together,' said Lee, who co-created Comedy InvAsian and spinoff series Comedy Invasion, which won the 2024 Canadian Screen Award for Best Comedy Special. This comes as Lee pitches Morning, Paris! at the Canada-France Series Lab at Series Mania in Lille, France today. The initiative is a joint venture between Series Mania, Telefilm Canada and the CNC. Lee's show follows Chanel Lee, a 29-year-old aspiring fashion designer from Vancouver, who flies to Paris with Tristan Nahanee, a security guard with an enigmatic past, without informing her boss, Benoit Petit. The unlikely duo, who producers say embody 'a comical reinvention of The Odd Couple' as they 'navigate the chaos of crashing Paris Fashion Week as Chanel experiences the city's magic for the first time.' 'At its heart, Morning, Paris! is a story about a cross-cultural fashion enthusiast and underdog, driven by passion and ambition, striving to break into the exclusive Parisian fashion world,' said Lee. Best of Deadline 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery How To Watch 'Wicked: Part One': Is The Film Streaming Yet? All The Songs In 'Severance' Season 2: From The Who To Ella Fitzgerald
See - Sada Elbalad
25-03-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Kaley Cuoco, Sam Claflin to Star in Suspense Thriller Series "Vanished"
Yara Sameh Kaley Cuoco has been tapped to take the lead in the upcoming mystery thriller series 'Vanished,' directed by Barnaby Thompson ('Pixie,' 'Mad About the Boy — The Noel Coward Story'). Sam Claflin ('Peaky Blinders,' 'Me Before You'), three-time Cesar winner Karin Viard ('Polisse,' 'The Bélier Family'), and Matthias Schweighöfer ('Oppenheimer,' 'Army of the Dead') will also star in the series. 'Vanished' follows a romantic getaway to Paris that takes a dark turn. When her boyfriend Tom (Claflin) suddenly disappears aboard a train to the south of France, Alice (Cuoco) is plunged into a web of intrigue and danger, uncovering shocking secrets about the man she thought she knew. The series was created by David Hilton and Preston Thompson, written by Preston Thompson ('Pixie,' 'Kids in Love') and executive produced by James Clayton (Slow Burn Entertainment), David Kosse (Rockwood Pictures), Barnaby Thompson (Fragile Films), Preston Thompson and AGC's Stuart Ford, Lourdes Diaz and Miguel A. Palos Jr. AGC Television — the scripted arm of Ford's AGC Studios — will fully finance and co-produce, and has a co-production deal with Germany's ARD Degeto already at an advanced stage. Production will begin April 28th at locations in Paris and Marseilles. John Bernard, CEO of Peninsula Film will provide production services in France. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) News Ireland Replaces Former Israeli Embassy with Palestinian Museum News Israeli PM Diagnosed with Stage 3 Prostate Cancer Lifestyle Maguy Farah Reveals 2025 Expectations for Pisces News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
