Taylor Swift imitates one of William Shakespeare’s most tragic characters for her “The Fate of Ophelia” music video.

The song, which is the opening track on her new “The Life of a Showgirl” album, references the “Hamlet” heroine. In the tragic play, Ophelia dies by drowning after heartbreak, but in Swift’s song, someone saves her from a similar fate.

In the video, the pop icon appears in a painting similar to John Everett Millais’ famous work that is brought to life. From there, she dons a platinum blond wig and seemingly channels Marilyn Monroe in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” before nailing some choreography. She continues to travel through different time periods, embodying a “showgirl” in each one, before the video ends with a raging party in a hotel room and a somber conclusion.

Swift revealed that “The Fate of Ophelia” was getting a music video when she announced her “Life of a Showgirl” theatrical event: an 89-minute showing of the music video, behind-the-scenes footage and lyric videos for the album. 

A couple days after fans saw Swift transform into Ophelia in theaters, the music video arrived on YouTube Sunday, Oct. 5. 

Here’s what to know about the music video, the only one announced so far off Swift’s 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl.” 

How to watch ‘The Fate of Ophelia’ music video

Swifties watched “The Fate of Ophelia” music video as part of “The Official Release Party of a Showgirl” in movie theaters. Swift announced that she was turning her album release into a theatrical event on social media Sept. 19.

“​​I hereby invite you to a *dazzling* soirée, The Official Release Party of a Showgirl: Oct 3 — Oct 5 only in cinemas!” she wrote. “You’ll get to see the exclusive world premiere of the music video for my new single “The Fate of Ophelia”, along with never before seen behind-the-scenes footage of how we made it, cut by cut explanations of what inspired this music, and the brand new lyric videos from my new album The Life of a Showgirl.”

The in-theaters experience started Oct. 3 and ends Oct. 5. Despite its short theater run, Variety reported that the film is already a success, earning $33 million domestically and landing at the top of the box office charts. 

If you couldn’t make the theatrical event, never fear. “The Fate of Ophelia” joined Swift’s archive of music videos on YouTube. The music video, as well as the lyric videos for the album, were released on the platform on Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. ET.

What happens in ‘The Fate of Ophelia’ music video?

“The Fate of Ophelia” music video had its world premiere Oct. 3 at 3 p.m. ET in theaters. Swift herself directed the video, and for it, she invited back all the stage performers who joined her on “The Eras Tour,” like Jan Ravnik and Kam Saunders, as well as the tour’s choreographer, Mandy Moore.

The video has Swift in character as various showgirls — the glamorous ones who are feathered and bejeweled for the stage, and the tragic ones who meet their agonizing fates. The video’s final shot evokes the Shakespearean Ophelia, with Swift submerged in a bathtub, a nearly identical shot of “The Life of a Showgirl’s” album art.

The video’s production meets the high bar Swift has set with her previous videos. Footage from behind the scenes, shown in theaters to folks who attended the release party, follows Swift and her team going through weeks of rehearsals and performing on immaculate soundstages. 

Minutes after the video debuted on YouTube, Swift posted a message on X that read, “Writing, rehearsing, directing and shooting the music video for ‘The Fate of Ophelia’ was the thrill of a lifetime because I got to be reunited with my Eras Tour family!! I wanted each one-take scene to feel like a live performance and remind us all of how it felt to be at those shows together. Making every moment count.”

She added that “The Fate of Ophelia” is “a journey through the chaotic world of show business. I loved working with Rodrigo Prieto, Ethan Tobman and Mandy Moore to dream up these visuals. A huge thank you to this massive cast who kept it (one hundred) and also kept the secret of this video even existing.”

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

• Bad Bunny Fanboys Over ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ in ‘SNL’ Sketch Featuring Singing Group
• Hilary Duff Shows Off Dance Moves in Surprise Appearance as Role Model’s Sally
• Taylor Swift’s ‘the Life of a Showgirl’ Is Finally Out! Everything She Shared About the Album, Its Lyrics and More

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Bad Bunny kicked off the 51st season of “Saturday Night Live” with a few timely jokes about his next high-profile gig: the Super Bowl.

“I think everybody is happy about it — even Fox News,” the music superstar quipped in his monologue, referring to opposition in some quarters to his being named headliner of the Super Bowl halftime show.

He segued into a few sentences in Spanish, expressing Latino pride and joy over the achievement, after which he noted: “If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn!” Bad Bunny will be making history by performing entirely in Spanish, a landmark moment for Latino culture.

Launching a season that introduces some new faces in the cast, the show’s cold open featured a sketch mocking Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s presentation to generals earlier this week.

“Weekend Update” host Colin Jost played Hegseth, highlighting the defense secretary’s remarks in which he said it’s “tiring to look out at combat formations or really any formation and see fat troops” and said it was unacceptable to see fat generals and admirals at the Pentagon.

“No fatties, no facial hair, no body hair,” Jost’s Hegseth said. “Just hot, shredded hairless men who are definitely not gay. … “Because this is serious, we are facing the greatest threat to freedom and democracy the world has ever known. And we all know what that threat is.”

“Late night TV!” replied James Austin Johnson as President Donald Trump, bursting in.

“‘SNL’ 51 off to a rough start,” Johnson’s Trump added. “Seventeen new cast members and they got the ‘Update’ guy doing the open.”

After a fanfare-filled 50th season celebrating the past, “Saturday Night Live” is looking to the future with a cast that includes five new featured players. Several cast members have departed the show.

Saturday Night Live

Sep 18

Bad Bunny, Amy Poehler and Sabrina Carpenter named first hosts for ‘SNL' Season 51

Saturday Night Live

Sep 14

Lorne Michaels' response to Bowen Yang after he asked if he should stay on ‘SNL'

Saturday Night Live

Sep 2

‘Saturday Night Live' adds 5 new cast members ahead of new season

Bad Bunny is having what can only be described as an enormous week: in addition to hosting “SNL,” he’s coming off a historic residency in Puerto Rico, and on Sunday came the Super Bowl news.

His moment in the spotlight hasn’t come without some political discourse. The Puerto Rican artist has said one of the reasons his residency bypassed the continental U.S. was a concern that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials could target immigrants for deportation outside his shows.

Asked Friday by a podcaster whether ICE officials would be conducting enforcement at the Super Bowl, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said they would, because DHS “is responsible for keeping it safe.” She didn’t specify whether the officials would be conducting immigration enforcement or other law enforcement duties that are typical at the event.

The issue made for a key joke in the “Weekend Update” segment. “A Trump adviser said ICE agents will attend the Super Bowl after Bad Bunny was announced as the halftime performer,” noted co-host Michael Che, then quipping: “You know, to catch all those farmworkers who can afford Super Bowl tickets.”

In his second “SNL” hosting gig, Bad Bunny was joined by musical guest Doja Cat, making her debut in that role.

He was featured in many of the show’s comedy segments, including a spinoff of the popular sketches in which George Washington attempts to educate soldiers about his new country’s language and customs. Here, Bad Bunny played a Spanish ruler in 900 A.D. explaining how the language would have both masculine and feminine nouns — with Benicio Del Toro making a surprise appearance.

Bad Bunny will be followed as hosts in subsequent weeks by Amy Poehler and Sabrina Carpenter. All three were highlights of the 50th season celebrations, with Bad Bunny performing at the “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert ” and also serving as the final musical guest last season.

Super Bowl

Sep 29

Inside Bad Bunny's meteoric rise to Super Bowl halftime show headliner

Super Bowl

Sep 30

Why Bad Bunny's Super Bowl show will be a landmark moment for Puerto Rico

Super Bowl

Sep 28

Social media reacts to Bad Bunny being named Super Bowl 60 halftime performer

SNL alumna Poehler, in her second solo hosting gig, will front the Oct. 11 episode alongside first-time musical guest Role Model. Her episode will air 50 years to the day of the very first episode of “Saturday Night Live,” on Oct. 11, 1975.

Carpenter, who was a major attraction of the anniversary celebrations, is pulling double duty as host and musical guest on Oct. 18.

The revamped cast comes on the heels of several high-profile departures, including Ego Nwodim and Devon Walker. Ben Marshall, already an “SNL” writer, becomes a featured player, along with newcomers Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson and Veronika Slowikowska.

Nwodim, Walker, Emil Wakim and Michael Longfellow all confirmed last month on their social media accounts that they are leaving the show.

The show picked up 12 Emmys last month for its 50th season and anniversary programming, including an award for outstanding variety special.

“I won this award for the first time 50 years ago, in 1975,” Michaels said, accepting the Emmy, adding that he didn’t dream of doing the same show for the next 50 years.

Bad Bunny kicked off the 51st season of “Saturday Night Live” with a few timely jokes about his next high-profile gig: the Super Bowl.

“I think everybody is happy about it — even Fox News,” the music superstar quipped in his monologue, referring to opposition in some quarters to his being named headliner of the Super Bowl halftime show.

He segued into a few sentences in Spanish, expressing Latino pride and joy over the achievement, after which he noted: “If you didn’t understand what I just said, you have four months to learn!” Bad Bunny will be making history by performing entirely in Spanish, a landmark moment for Latino culture.

Launching a season that introduces some new faces in the cast, the show’s cold open featured a sketch mocking Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s presentation to generals earlier this week.

“Weekend Update” host Colin Jost played Hegseth, highlighting the defense secretary’s remarks in which he said it’s “tiring to look out at combat formations or really any formation and see fat troops” and said it was unacceptable to see fat generals and admirals at the Pentagon.

“No fatties, no facial hair, no body hair,” Jost’s Hegseth said. “Just hot, shredded hairless men who are definitely not gay. … “Because this is serious, we are facing the greatest threat to freedom and democracy the world has ever known. And we all know what that threat is.”

“Late night TV!” replied James Austin Johnson as President Donald Trump, bursting in.

“‘SNL’ 51 off to a rough start,” Johnson’s Trump added. “Seventeen new cast members and they got the ‘Update’ guy doing the open.”

After a fanfare-filled 50th season celebrating the past, “Saturday Night Live” is looking to the future with a cast that includes five new featured players. Several cast members have departed the show.

Saturday Night Live

Sep 18

Bad Bunny, Amy Poehler and Sabrina Carpenter named first hosts for ‘SNL' Season 51

Saturday Night Live

Sep 14

Lorne Michaels' response to Bowen Yang after he asked if he should stay on ‘SNL'

Saturday Night Live

Sep 2

‘Saturday Night Live' adds 5 new cast members ahead of new season

Bad Bunny is having what can only be described as an enormous week: in addition to hosting “SNL,” he’s coming off a historic residency in Puerto Rico, and on Sunday came the Super Bowl news.

His moment in the spotlight hasn’t come without some political discourse. The Puerto Rican artist has said one of the reasons his residency bypassed the continental U.S. was a concern that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials could target immigrants for deportation outside his shows.

Asked Friday by a podcaster whether ICE officials would be conducting enforcement at the Super Bowl, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said they would, because DHS “is responsible for keeping it safe.” She didn’t specify whether the officials would be conducting immigration enforcement or other law enforcement duties that are typical at the event.

The issue made for a key joke in the “Weekend Update” segment. “A Trump adviser said ICE agents will attend the Super Bowl after Bad Bunny was announced as the halftime performer,” noted co-host Michael Che, then quipping: “You know, to catch all those farmworkers who can afford Super Bowl tickets.”

In his second “SNL” hosting gig, Bad Bunny was joined by musical guest Doja Cat, making her debut in that role.

He was featured in many of the show’s comedy segments, including a spinoff of the popular sketches in which George Washington attempts to educate soldiers about his new country’s language and customs. Here, Bad Bunny played a Spanish ruler in 900 A.D. explaining how the language would have both masculine and feminine nouns — with Benicio Del Toro making a surprise appearance.

Bad Bunny will be followed as hosts in subsequent weeks by Amy Poehler and Sabrina Carpenter. All three were highlights of the 50th season celebrations, with Bad Bunny performing at the “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert ” and also serving as the final musical guest last season.

Super Bowl

Sep 29

Inside Bad Bunny's meteoric rise to Super Bowl halftime show headliner

Super Bowl

Sep 30

Why Bad Bunny's Super Bowl show will be a landmark moment for Puerto Rico

Super Bowl

Sep 28

Social media reacts to Bad Bunny being named Super Bowl 60 halftime performer

SNL alumna Poehler, in her second solo hosting gig, will front the Oct. 11 episode alongside first-time musical guest Role Model. Her episode will air 50 years to the day of the very first episode of “Saturday Night Live,” on Oct. 11, 1975.

Carpenter, who was a major attraction of the anniversary celebrations, is pulling double duty as host and musical guest on Oct. 18.

The revamped cast comes on the heels of several high-profile departures, including Ego Nwodim and Devon Walker. Ben Marshall, already an “SNL” writer, becomes a featured player, along with newcomers Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson and Veronika Slowikowska.

Nwodim, Walker, Emil Wakim and Michael Longfellow all confirmed last month on their social media accounts that they are leaving the show.

The show picked up 12 Emmys last month for its 50th season and anniversary programming, including an award for outstanding variety special.

“I won this award for the first time 50 years ago, in 1975,” Michaels said, accepting the Emmy, adding that he didn’t dream of doing the same show for the next 50 years.

Taylor Swift imitates one of William Shakespeare’s most tragic characters for her “The Fate of Ophelia” music video.

The song, which is the opening track on her new “The Life of a Showgirl” album, references the “Hamlet” heroine. In the tragic play, Ophelia dies by drowning after heartbreak, but in Swift’s song, someone saves her from a similar fate.

In the video, the pop icon appears in a painting similar to John Everett Millais’ famous work that is brought to life. From there, she dons a platinum blond wig and seemingly channels Marilyn Monroe in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” before nailing some choreography. She continues to travel through different time periods, embodying a “showgirl” in each one, before the video ends with a raging party in a hotel room and a somber conclusion.

Swift revealed that “The Fate of Ophelia” was getting a music video when she announced her “Life of a Showgirl” theatrical event: an 89-minute showing of the music video, behind-the-scenes footage and lyric videos for the album. 

A couple days after fans saw Swift transform into Ophelia in theaters, the music video arrived on YouTube Sunday, Oct. 5. 

Here’s what to know about the music video, the only one announced so far off Swift’s 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl.” 

How to watch ‘The Fate of Ophelia’ music video

Swifties watched “The Fate of Ophelia” music video as part of “The Official Release Party of a Showgirl” in movie theaters. Swift announced that she was turning her album release into a theatrical event on social media Sept. 19.

“​​I hereby invite you to a *dazzling* soirée, The Official Release Party of a Showgirl: Oct 3 — Oct 5 only in cinemas!” she wrote. “You’ll get to see the exclusive world premiere of the music video for my new single “The Fate of Ophelia”, along with never before seen behind-the-scenes footage of how we made it, cut by cut explanations of what inspired this music, and the brand new lyric videos from my new album The Life of a Showgirl.”

The in-theaters experience started Oct. 3 and ends Oct. 5. Despite its short theater run, Variety reported that the film is already a success, earning $33 million domestically and landing at the top of the box office charts. 

If you couldn’t make the theatrical event, never fear. “The Fate of Ophelia” joined Swift’s archive of music videos on YouTube. The music video, as well as the lyric videos for the album, were released on the platform on Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. ET.

What happens in ‘The Fate of Ophelia’ music video?

“The Fate of Ophelia” music video had its world premiere Oct. 3 at 3 p.m. ET in theaters. Swift herself directed the video, and for it, she invited back all the stage performers who joined her on “The Eras Tour,” like Jan Ravnik and Kam Saunders, as well as the tour’s choreographer, Mandy Moore.

The video has Swift in character as various showgirls — the glamorous ones who are feathered and bejeweled for the stage, and the tragic ones who meet their agonizing fates. The video’s final shot evokes the Shakespearean Ophelia, with Swift submerged in a bathtub, a nearly identical shot of “The Life of a Showgirl’s” album art.

The video’s production meets the high bar Swift has set with her previous videos. Footage from behind the scenes, shown in theaters to folks who attended the release party, follows Swift and her team going through weeks of rehearsals and performing on immaculate soundstages. 

Minutes after the video debuted on YouTube, Swift posted a message on X that read, “Writing, rehearsing, directing and shooting the music video for ‘The Fate of Ophelia’ was the thrill of a lifetime because I got to be reunited with my Eras Tour family!! I wanted each one-take scene to feel like a live performance and remind us all of how it felt to be at those shows together. Making every moment count.”

She added that “The Fate of Ophelia” is “a journey through the chaotic world of show business. I loved working with Rodrigo Prieto, Ethan Tobman and Mandy Moore to dream up these visuals. A huge thank you to this massive cast who kept it (one hundred) and also kept the secret of this video even existing.”

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

• Bad Bunny Fanboys Over ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ in ‘SNL’ Sketch Featuring Singing Group
• Hilary Duff Shows Off Dance Moves in Surprise Appearance as Role Model’s Sally
• Taylor Swift’s ‘the Life of a Showgirl’ Is Finally Out! Everything She Shared About the Album, Its Lyrics and More

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Taylor Swift imitates one of William Shakespeare’s most tragic characters for her “The Fate of Ophelia” music video.

The song, which is the opening track on her new “The Life of a Showgirl” album, references the “Hamlet” heroine. In the tragic play, Ophelia dies by drowning after heartbreak, but in Swift’s song, someone saves her from a similar fate.

In the video, the pop icon appears in a painting similar to John Everett Millais’ famous work that is brought to life. From there, she dons a platinum blond wig and seemingly channels Marilyn Monroe in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” before nailing some choreography. She continues to travel through different time periods, embodying a “showgirl” in each one, before the video ends with a raging party in a hotel room and a somber conclusion.

Swift revealed that “The Fate of Ophelia” was getting a music video when she announced her “Life of a Showgirl” theatrical event: an 89-minute showing of the music video, behind-the-scenes footage and lyric videos for the album. 

A couple days after fans saw Swift transform into Ophelia in theaters, the music video arrived on YouTube Sunday, Oct. 5. 

Here’s what to know about the music video, the only one announced so far off Swift’s 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl.” 

How to watch ‘The Fate of Ophelia’ music video

Swifties watched “The Fate of Ophelia” music video as part of “The Official Release Party of a Showgirl” in movie theaters. Swift announced that she was turning her album release into a theatrical event on social media Sept. 19.

“​​I hereby invite you to a *dazzling* soirée, The Official Release Party of a Showgirl: Oct 3 — Oct 5 only in cinemas!” she wrote. “You’ll get to see the exclusive world premiere of the music video for my new single “The Fate of Ophelia”, along with never before seen behind-the-scenes footage of how we made it, cut by cut explanations of what inspired this music, and the brand new lyric videos from my new album The Life of a Showgirl.”

The in-theaters experience started Oct. 3 and ends Oct. 5. Despite its short theater run, Variety reported that the film is already a success, earning $33 million domestically and landing at the top of the box office charts. 

If you couldn’t make the theatrical event, never fear. “The Fate of Ophelia” joined Swift’s archive of music videos on YouTube. The music video, as well as the lyric videos for the album, were released on the platform on Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. ET.

What happens in ‘The Fate of Ophelia’ music video?

“The Fate of Ophelia” music video had its world premiere Oct. 3 at 3 p.m. ET in theaters. Swift herself directed the video, and for it, she invited back all the stage performers who joined her on “The Eras Tour,” like Jan Ravnik and Kam Saunders, as well as the tour’s choreographer, Mandy Moore.

The video has Swift in character as various showgirls — the glamorous ones who are feathered and bejeweled for the stage, and the tragic ones who meet their agonizing fates. The video’s final shot evokes the Shakespearean Ophelia, with Swift submerged in a bathtub, a nearly identical shot of “The Life of a Showgirl’s” album art.

The video’s production meets the high bar Swift has set with her previous videos. Footage from behind the scenes, shown in theaters to folks who attended the release party, follows Swift and her team going through weeks of rehearsals and performing on immaculate soundstages. 

Minutes after the video debuted on YouTube, Swift posted a message on X that read, “Writing, rehearsing, directing and shooting the music video for ‘The Fate of Ophelia’ was the thrill of a lifetime because I got to be reunited with my Eras Tour family!! I wanted each one-take scene to feel like a live performance and remind us all of how it felt to be at those shows together. Making every moment count.”

She added that “The Fate of Ophelia” is “a journey through the chaotic world of show business. I loved working with Rodrigo Prieto, Ethan Tobman and Mandy Moore to dream up these visuals. A huge thank you to this massive cast who kept it (one hundred) and also kept the secret of this video even existing.”

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

• Bad Bunny Fanboys Over ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ in ‘SNL’ Sketch Featuring Singing Group
• Hilary Duff Shows Off Dance Moves in Surprise Appearance as Role Model’s Sally
• Taylor Swift’s ‘the Life of a Showgirl’ Is Finally Out! Everything She Shared About the Album, Its Lyrics and More

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.