In 1966, Harrison Ford Made His Film Debut, Then Studio Wanted Him to Make a Major Change

Harrison Ford made his film debut in 1966, playing a small role as a bellboy. The film, Dead Heat on a Merry-Go-Round, was a heist comedy starring James Coburn.

It wasn’t a memorable film, but it was where it all began for Ford. Despite the milestone, the studio wasn’t convinced he was cut out for the industry.

“I was under contract to Columbia Pictures at the time for $150 a week,” he told Variety. “And all the respect that that implies. I was called into the office of the head of the new talent program, and he told me that I had no future in the business. Which was OK.”

The same executive then made an unusual request, an idea he flatly refused.

“And then he asked me to get my hair cut like Elvis Presley,” he recalled. “That I didn’t go along with.”

The exchange became one of the more memorable footnotes of Ford’s early career. 

The movie Apocalypse Now, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Seen here, Harrison Ford as Colonel Lucas.

CBS Photo Archive / Getty Images

Why a Studio Executive Tried to Change Harrison Ford’s Name

The studio had more than Ford’s hairstyle on its mind. An executive also felt his real name needed to go. 

“He thought that ‘Harrison Ford’ was too pretentious a name for a young man,” he told Variety. 

At the time, studios routinely renamed young talent to fit a more marketable image. Columbia clearly hoped to apply that same formula to Ford early in his career.

Ford ultimately refused to act on it. He kept his name exactly as it was, despite the studio’s doubts.

That decision turned out to matter more than anyone could have predicted. Ford went on to build one of the most recognizable names in Hollywood history.

Meanwhile, Ford crossed paths with the same executive years later, who owned up to his mistake. 

“I met him later, across a crowded dining room,” he recalled. “He sent me a card on which he’d written, ‘I missed my guess.’ I looked around, couldn’t remember which one he was, but then he nodded at me and smiled, and I thought, ‘Oh yeah, I know you.'”

Ford has since starred in the Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Blade Runner series. Across his career, Ford has grossed more than $12 billion worldwide at the box office.

The name that Columbia once wanted to drop eventually became one of the most recognizable in Hollywood. Decades later, “Harrison Ford” needs no introduction at all. 

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New Winter Precipitation Map Just Released Points to Heavier Snow and Rain Across Dozens of States

The National Weather Service just released a weather map for the upcoming winter months. Based on the currently known conditions, the still-early findings point to dozens of states across America facing heavier snow and rain during the 2026-2027 winter season.

What the Just Released Winter Precipitation Map Shows

The August 20, 2026, version of the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center Seasonal Precipitation Outlook Map.

Image via NOAA

Typically on the third Thursday of each month, the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center publishes the latest version of its Seasonal Precipitation Outlook Map. On August 20, 2026, the agency published a new map detailing the precipitation probabilities across the United States for the months of January, February, and March of 2027.

It is important to note that the map was published months in advance, and conditions could certainly change. Still, the new map points to above-average precipitation throughout early 2027. It does not provide any details on whether to expect heavier snowfall or rain across the affected states.

The lighter green regions of the map indicate a 33 to 50% probable chance of above-average precipitation, while the darker green areas indicate a higher than 50% likelihood. Based on the new map, current conditions are pointing to several states leaning toward or likely facing heavier precipitation in early 2027:

The West Coast & Southwest: California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, parts of Oregon, Idaho, and Utah

The South & Southeast: Texas, Louisiana, Florida, South Carolina, parts of Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina

The Central & Mid-South: Parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Tennessee

The Northeast & Mid-Atlantic: Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, Massachusetts, Washington D.C., Parts of Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine

The North: A small part of Alaska

On the other hand, there are some states that are leaning toward below-normal rain and snow in early 2027. The light brown areas of the map indicate a 33 to 50% probable chance of below-average precipitation in early 2027. They include parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Additionally, most of Alaska could also see below-average levels of snow and rain.

Currently, the rest of the states fall in the “equal chances” region, which means the models don’t indicate whether they will face average, above-, or below-normal levels of snow and rain.

How This Map Compares to Last Month’s Outlook

The July 16, 2026, version of the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center Seasonal Precipitation Outlook Map for comparison.

Image via NOAA

Comparing this month’s map to the Climate Prediction Center’s Seasonal Precipitation Outlook Map that was published on July 16, 2026, shows that things have changed. Most obviously, the brown area of the map has shrunk significantly outside of Alaska, where it expanded.

While the green area of the map has shrunk in a handful of states, it has overall expanded to cover much more of the country. The conditions could still change, but that indicates that heavier snow and rain falling in the upcoming winter season are becoming more probable as the year progresses.

Next: Winter Storm Travel Kit Safety Experts Share the Must-Have Items Drivers Often Forget

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Chewy Sells a $40 Orthopedic Dog Bed That Has the Support Vets Recommend for Achy Joints

Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.

In This Story

Lesure High-Back Orthopedic Dog Bed, From $40 (was $58)

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Why We Love This Deal

According to veterinarian Dr. Zubair Khalid, a dog’s sleeping surface can meaningfully affect the pressure that builds up around aging or arthritic joints, and more supportive foam helps prevent the pressure points that restrict blood flow to sore areas. That’s pushed more owners to grab foam beds that have actual support, but they can be pricier than the standard fare. Lesure’s Orthopedic Dog Bed is 30% off, though, making the upgrade easier to justify. 

The $58 Lesure High-Back Orthopedic Dog Bed is now just $40 at Chewy. This is for the large gray bed, but all sizes and colors are on sale, ranging from 20% to 39% off. The XL bed in Camel is also a great deal for bigger pets, down to $49 from $80. Regardless of size and color, these beds have a 4.6-star rating, with dog parents raving about them.

Lesure High-Back Orthopedic Dog Bed, From $40 (was $58) at Chewy

Courtesy of Chewy

Shop at Chewy

What Shoppers Should Know

• Cover: Polyester
• Fill: High-resilience foam
• Backrest: Raised, ergonomic high-back design
• Care: Spot clean, washable and removable cover
• Best For: Dogs needing head and spine support, older or achy joints

Older pups tend to have a harder time getting comfortable on a flat, unsupportive bed, especially if they’re dealing with arthritis or stiff joints. And a lot of standard beds just don’t give them anything to lean on. The raised backrest here solves that by giving their head and neck something to rest against, and the foam gives their body more support. 

That foam matters just as much as the shape. More affordable beds use thin polyfill that compresses fast and stops cushioning within a few months. The high-resilience foam in this pick holds shape under weight instead of packing down, so an older (or heavier) dog gets consistent support instead of sleeping on what’s basically a flattened pillow. 

Related: Chewy Sells a $20 Orthopedic Dog Bed That Vets Say Can Help With Joint Pain

What Shoppers Are Saying

Older dogs will really appreciate the extra support this bed provides. One shopper with a senior pet wrote, “This bed seems perfect for his old joints, and he loves to rest his chin on the edge.” That reviewer also said, “It’s firm enough that he is not sinking through it, but very soft.”

The washable and removable cover was another highlight for reviewers: “These beds are washable with zippers, so a big plus for accidents.”

Pets can benefit from a more supportive bed just as much as humans, and if your furry friends’ current setup isn’t doing the job, Lesure’s High-Back Orthopedic Dog Bed is an excellent choice for $40. 

Also Check Out

• Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Crate Bed Mat, $20 (was $31) at Chewy
• Veehoo Chew-Proof Silver Aluminum Frame Elevated Dog Bed, $76 (was $110) at Chewy
• FurHaven Plush Deluxe Chaise Orthopedic Bed, $23 (was $41) at Chewy

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Pharrell Williams' Popular Adidas 'Jellyfish' Shoes Get a New $300 Colorway

Adidas Originals and Pharrell Williams are doubling down on the VIRGINIA Adistar Jellyfish.

​For their newest release, Adidas and Pharrell are dropping a striking new “Tan” colorway with the autumn season just around the corner.

Retailing for $300, VIRGINIA Adistar will be available globally on August 22, 2026, on the Confirmed app and at select retailers. Sign-ups opened on Tuesday, August 17, 2026.

The “Tan” drop unlocks the next evolution of Pharrell’s creative universe where fashion, music, and community meet.

Adidas VIRGINIA Adistar Jellyfish “Tan” sneakers

Courtesy of adidas

​The latest iteration wraps the silhouette’s iconic, experimental architecture in a clean, monochromatic neutral colorway. It’s a sleek update of one of the brand’s most popular footwear franchises.

Adidas and Pharrell’s Ultra-Successful Partnership

When Pharrell drops, the sneaker world listens.

The partnership between Pharrell Williams and Adidas began over a decade ago in 2014, marking one of the most culturally influential and long-standing collaborations in modern streetwear.

What began in 2015 with an explosion of color — most famously the iconic 50-shade “Supercolor” Superstar pack — quickly evolved into a culture-shifting partnership.

By 2016, the defining NMD Human Race (Hu) line took over the streets with bold, unifying messages embroidered across the uppers.

Pharrell x adidas VIRGINIA Adistar Jellyfish “Tan” 🪼

🗓️ August 22
🏷️ $300 pic.twitter.com/pJLVt7yLWk

— Modern Notoriety (@ModernNotoriety) August 17, 2026

More than a decade later, the collaboration has transcended classic lifestyle kicks, pushing into high-concept performance gear, Terrex outdoor wear, and creative originals like the VIRGINIA Adistar Jellyfish, cementing Pharrell’s status as a mastermind of modern footwear.

Featuring bold wave midsoles, exoskeletal overlays, and glow-in-the-dark accents, this $300 Paris Fashion Week standout has cemented itself as an instant holy grail and a masterpiece of modern footwear design.

Back in 2014, Pharrell spoke his vision for the groundbreaking shoeline.

“It can’t be about my face because I’m not the athlete. I’m an artist. I’ll never be Michael Jordan,” Pharrell told The Hollywood Reporter at the time.

“But if I had to play a sport, I run for the human race. That’s the closest I come to a sport,” he continued. “For me, I wanted to do something bigger than me, bigger than I could ever dream or would even want to be — and that’s equality.”

Related: Adidas Just Dropped Street Sneakers Designed for Urban Cowboys

Related: Adidas and Hellstar Bring the Heat With the ‘Megaride S2’ Sneakers

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2015 Film, Starring Tom Hardy, Named the Greatest Action Movie of All Time

There aren’t many movies that can make the case for being the greatest action film ever made without leaning on a superhero, a massive franchise, or a familiar ’80s action star. Mad Max: Fury Road somehow does it with a two-hour chase through the desert, and with the two big H’s: Hardy and Horsepower.

The 2015 film, starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, has now been named the greatest action movie of all time by StudioBinder, which placed it at No. 1 on its newly published ranking of the 50 best action movies ever made.

That’s a pretty bold choice considering the competition. The list includes Die Hard, Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Empire Strikes Back, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, The Dark Knight, The Matrix, Aliens, and Heat, among countless other action classics.

Why ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ Was Named the Greatest Action Movie

Directed by George Miller, Mad Max: Fury Road drops viewers into a post-apocalyptic wasteland where water is scarce and power belongs to whoever controls it.

Hardy plays Max Rockatansky, a drifter who becomes caught up with Imperator Furiosa, played by Theron, as she attempts to escape the tyrannical Immortan Joe with a group of women he’s holding captive.

The movie doesn’t waste much time getting started.

Once Max and Furiosa’s paths cross, the story becomes an enormous, frequently chaotic pursuit across the desert, filled with explosions, crashes, motorcycles, massive trucks, and some of the most elaborate stunt work Hollywood had produced in years.

And that’s a major part of why StudioBinder ranked it first.

The site praised Miller’s minimal reliance on CGI and the movie’s emphasis on practical action, arguing that Fury Road demonstrated what the genre could accomplish when filmmakers put visual storytelling and physical stunts at the center of the experience.

Tom Hardy Wasn’t Even the Biggest Star

Hardy may be in the title role, but Fury Road arguably belongs just as much to Theron. Her Furiosa became one of the most memorable action protagonists of the 2010s, and StudioBinder specifically highlights Theron’s performance as central to the movie’s power.

That’s part of what makes Fury Road different from many traditional action movies.

Max isn’t necessarily the most important character in every scene. Furiosa’s mission drives much of the story, while Max becomes an unlikely ally in her attempt to get herself and the other women to safety.

One of the biggest reasons Mad Max: Fury Road continues to stand out is the sheer amount of physical stunt work involved. Miller and his team created enormous practical set pieces, with vehicles actually racing through the Namibian desert as performers carried out dangerous stunts around them.

The approach gives the action a weight that can sometimes be missing from heavily computer-generated sequences. There’s a real sense that these vehicles are moving, crashing, flipping, and colliding in the same physical space as the characters.

10 Years Later, ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ Still Holds Up

More than a decade after its release, Mad Max: Fury Road remains one of the rare action movies that can satisfy both people looking for a spectacular blockbuster and viewers interested in the craft behind it.

It’s loud, fast, strange, visually stunning, and almost absurdly ambitious. The entire movie is an edge-of-your-seat car chase, and that’s precisely what makes it stand out among other action giants.

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Cardinals Rookie Did Something No MLB Player Had Ever Done in His First 3 At-Bats

There are more than 23,000 names in the history of Major League Baseball. Some you know: Jackie Robinson. Derek Jeter. Hank Aaron. Most you don’t. Men who got one afternoon, one inning, one at-bat to etch their name into baseball eternity before the game moved on and forgot them.

Until Saturday, none of them had ever done what Joshua Báez was about to do.

Báez had waited his whole life to see a major-league pitch, and it took him one swing to make it disappear. Then he did it again. Then, because apparently he hadn’t gotten our attention yet, he did it a third time.

The 23-year-old Cardinals rookie homered in each of his first three career at-bats Saturday at Wrigley Field, making history and inspiring fans with his impressive debut, leading St. Louis to an 8-4 win over the Cubs. 

And it started as early as the first pitch he ever saw. Cubs lefty Matthew Boyd left a 93.4 mph fastball over the plate, and Báez sent it 449 feet into the center-field bleachers at 108.6 mph — the third-longest debut home run of the Statcast era, behind only Jason Heyward and Aaron Judge. Then, like a man who knew something the rest of the ballpark didn’t, he flashed a grin at the St. Louis dugout and started around the bases.

His second came two innings later, a solo shot pulled 382 feet to left. The third, in the sixth, was just rude. An opposite-field poke off of Boyd’s slider that carried 368 feet to right. Three homers, three corners of the yard. That was very considerate of him.

That second blast alone had made him one of just nine players to homer twice in a regular-season debut. The third put him somewhere no one had ever been. Before Saturday, no player in MLB history had ever had a three-homer game earlier than his 10th career appearance. Báez needed only three at-bats.

Báez may be the new kid on the block, but he’s been doing this for a while. Arriving from the Cards’ Triple-A team in Memphis, Baez was MLB Pipeline’s No. 59 prospect, leading all of Triple-A with 34 home runs and a .901 OPS over 103 games. Scouts have long known he could hit a ball as far, but prospect rankings are only a guess about a player’s potential. Saturday alike.

By the time Báez came to the plate for his fourth at bat, all of Wrigley leaned in. Even Cubs fans held their breath, knowing that they were watching history in the making, hoping that #22 had a little bit more magic in him. But Báez is human. He lined out to left. 

Three would have to do.

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‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Just Did Something No Spider-Man Movie Ever Has Done

At some point, “friendly neighborhood Spider-Man” has to stop being the line you lead with on your resume. The neighborhood part suggests someone who keeps the peace on the block, the corner store, the stoop, and every once in a while shows up to the cookout and makes a plate without anyone asking, who invited him?  It does not suggest someone quietly out-earning the GDP of a small nation.

But here we are.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day has officially crossed $2 billion at the worldwide box office, making Tom Holland’s Peter Parker the first web-slinger ever to reach the milestone. Seventeen days and three weekends in, Sony and Marvel’s latest money machine has pulled an estimated $2.022 billion. That’s roughly $785 million in North America and $1.23 billion internationally. Somewhere, Peter has finally stopped asking Mr. Stark to let him hold something.

Related: Robert Downey Jr. Returns as Iron Man—Just Not in the Movie

That puts Holland’s fourth solo outing a rare achievement. Only eight films have ever cracked $2 billion worldwide: Avatar, Titanic, Avengers: Endgame, Avatar: The Way of Water, Ne Zha 2, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and Avengers: Infinity War. It’s really good company for a guy who still lives with his aunt.

Brand New Day also blew past 2021’s No Way Home, which stalled just shy of the mark at roughly $1.9 billion. And now it is the second-fastest film ever to $2 billion, trailing only Endgame, which got there in 11 days.

And it’s still printing money.

Brand New Day added another $70 million domestically in its third weekend, holding at No. 1. Its $785 million North American haul has made a once-ridiculous question worth asking outside of the group chat: Can Spider-Man catch The Force Awakens’ $936 million domestic record?

Reports suggest the movie is starting to slip off the pace for a billion-dollar domestic finish. However, a final tally somewhere around $960 million, which would be enough to unseat Star Wars: The Force Awakens, is still on the table, making it a close race worth watching.

Yes, this recent Spider-Man movie has already made history, so the only question left is how many more records it wants to web in on its way out.

Somewhere, J. Jonah Jameson must be losing his mind.

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