Shailene Woodley Makes Rare Comment About Friendship With Ansel Elgort: ‘Like Family to Me’ Shailene Woodley, 34, shared an emotional reflection on her enduring friendship with Ansel Elgort, 32, in a recent interview with Variety. The actress described Elgort as “one of my best friends” and emphasized that their bond transcends typical friendship, calling him “like family to me.” Woodley’s remarks, shared via Variety’s YouTube page on May 21, highlighted the depth of their connection, which she credits to their shared experiences on set and beyond. Woodley and Elgort first met while filming the 2014 adaptation of Divergent, where they played siblings Tris and Caleb. Their on-set dynamic quickly evolved into a close friendship, with Woodley recalling how they became “sort of instant siblings.” She described their relationship as “very sweet” and supportive, noting that Elgort often visited her home after work, where they would cook and spend hours talking. “We really connected,” she said, underscoring the comfort and trust they developed during the production. The pair reunited for The Fault in Our Stars (2014), where they portrayed love interests Hazel and Gus. Woodley admitted it was initially surprising to see Elgort cast as Gus, given their sibling dynamic in Divergent. “I was like, ‘Oh that’s sweet, but like obviously it’s never gonna happen because he’s my brother in Divergent,’” she joked. However, she praised Elgort’s performance, calling him “the only person on Earth who could’ve played Gus.” She attributed the film’s emotional authenticity to their real-life bond, stating, “Ansel and I do genuinely love one another,” which she believed made their on-screen chemistry feel “unconditionally loving.#shailene_woodley #ansel_elgort #divergent #the_fault_in_our_stars #variety
Thomas Doherty Reimagines Career as Dystopian Biker in FASHION's March 2026 Cover Story Thomas Doherty, the Scottish actor known for his roles in Gossip Girl and the Descendants franchise, is undergoing a significant career transformation as he steps into the role of a dystopian biker in the second season of Paradise, set to premiere on Hulu in February 2026. The 30-year-old actor, who has long been associated with the "charming-boy-next-door" archetype, is shedding his past image to embrace grittier, more complex characters. His latest project marks a bold departure from his earlier roles, as he portrays Link, a rugged motorcycle gang survivor navigating a post-apocalyptic world. Doherty’s physical transformation for the role includes a shaved head and beard, symbolizing his deliberate shift away from the polished aesthetic that defined his earlier career. The article highlights Doherty’s journey from a Disney heartthrob to a performer seeking artistic and emotional depth. Over the past two years, he has described this period as a "second puberty" in his personal and professional life, marked by increased emotional maturity and a renewed sense of self. He has settled into a New York apartment, developed better emotional processing skills, and cultivated a calm, confident demeanor. These changes have influenced his approach to acting, leading him to pursue roles that challenge him rather than validate his insecurities. In an interview with FASHION Magazine Canada, Doherty emphasized his commitment to authenticity, stating, "I really feel like I’m coming into this new phase of my life as a person and as an artist.#paradise_season_2 #shailene_woodley #thomas_doherty #fashion_magazine_canada #little_shop_of_horrors
Paradise’s Thomas Doherty Talks Dylan Theories, Eating Pie Spoilers follow for the second season of Paradise through the seventh episode, “The Final Countdown.” Thomas Doherty’s character on Paradise remains a mystery, with the actor himself offering little clarity. During a conversation about his season-two role as a resistance leader, Doherty refers to his character by two names: Link, the nickname tied to his nerdy, Legend of Zelda-obsessed persona, and Dylan, the character’s given name. This name coincides with Samantha’s (Julianne Nicholson) long-dead son, a detail that shocks Samantha during a tense confrontation in the penultimate episode. The show’s time-travel and alternate-universe elements continue to blur the lines, leaving fans speculating about Doherty’s character’s true identity. Doherty, however, remains tight-lipped, joking, “I’m in survival mode here. I’m not trying to spoil shit.” Doherty declines to discuss his character’s emotional motivations in the upcoming finale, though he confirms the character will appear in the series’ third season. Even without explicit details, his portrayal of Dylan—a genius determined to restart the world and hold the bunker’s billionaires accountable—offers compelling depth. Dylan’s defiance shines in his “Take me to your leader” sign, and his fury at Samantha’s erasure of his mentor, professor Henry Miller, underscores his personal stakes. “That’s when his individual ego comes out,” Doherty explains, highlighting the tension between personal grievance and a larger mission to save humanity. The character’s motivations remain layered. While Dylan seeks revenge for his mentor’s stolen legacy, his ultimate goal is to dismantle the bunker’s oppressive system.#paradise #sterling_k_brown #thomas_doherty #julianne_nicholson #shailene_woodley
