This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Here's what's being talked about in pop culture that doesn't involve a politician sunning himself on a closed beach or tweeting a veiled threat of physical violence — stories that, let's face it, sucked all the oxygen from the media this weekend:
• TV personality Maria Menounos is resigning as co-anchor of "E! News," to deal with the aftermath of having surgery to remove a benign brain tumor. [The Hollywood Reporter]
• The first details are trickling out about the casting and general story line for J.K. Rowling's "Fantastic Beasts" sequel — which will have Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) teaming up with his former teacher, Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) to stop the evil wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp, ugh). [Entertainment Weekly]
• The animated "Despicable Me 3" dominated the pre-Independence Day box office weekend, taking in $75.4 million domestically. The car-chase thriller "Baby Driver" impressed with $30 million on its five-day opening run, while the Will Ferrell/Amy Poehler comedy "The House" opened to a disappointing $9 million. [Box Office Mojo]