Chris Hardwick's Blog, page 104

April 23, 2025

THE LAST OF US Season 2 Introduces Stalkers, a New Kind of Infected

What’s the only thing scarier than a fungus trying to turn every living person on the planet into a twisted meat puppet? That exact same fungus with the power to think. That’s the terrifying new type of monster HBO’s The Last of Us introduced in its season two premiere. Ellie encountered the show’s first Stalkers, one of The Last of Us franchise’s most dangerous forms of Infected. And in episode two, we saw the fallout that happens when Infected get smart.

Ellie with a flashlight as a stalker far away crawls on the floor behind her on The Last of Us

HBO

Ellie and Dina’s (begrudgingly) sanctioned foray into an old supermarket in The Last of Us‘s season two premiere quickly went downhill. Or rather, it went straight down. Ellie crashed through the building’s upper story when the floor collapsed. After successfully killing clickers up above, Ellie thought the silent shopping floor was safe. In reality, it posed one of the greatest threats mankind has faced since cordyceps turned the world into a wasteland of monsters. While Ellie looked around in The Last of Us season two’s premiere episode, an infected crawled around and observed her in silence. Here’s how Ellie later described this new type of smart creature, which we know as Stalkers, to her commune’s leaders:

I’m not saying it could do math or anything, but it didn’t run at me. It did what we do. Took cover, planned, waited, lured me in. Stalking.

THE LAST OF US Season 2 Introduces Stalkers, a New Kind of Infected_1

HBO

That’s exactly what we (and not Dina!) saw. Not only did this Infected creature silently scurry in the shadows like a spider, but it also observed Ellie before attacking. The Stalker also hid from her before luring Ellie in. It tricked her into thinking it was in one spot when the creature had already moved to another. Only then did it unleash a violent, brutal attack. Like clickers, it was also fast. Ellie might have died if not for Dina’s timely return. Even then, its bite would have led to any other human becoming infected.

This is the first infected Stalker to appear on HBO’s series, but gamers had to deal with them in both installments of The Last of Us. Like their show counterpart, the stealth creatures make an unholy croaking noise when they do “speak.” The Last of Us‘ Stalkers also have long spores growing out of their heads, retaining just enough of their human face to serve as a horrifying reminder of what they once were and what their victims will become. But there does seem to be one major difference between the games’ stalkers and the show’s. In The Last of Us games, Stalkers represent Stage 2 of an infection and came into existence at a much faster rate.

THE LAST OF US Season 2 Introduces Stalkers, a New Kind of Infected_2

HBO

The Last of Us series introduced its first stalker 25 years after the outbreak of the Cordyceps virus. That’s five years after the end of season one. Even if those creatures adapted long before the people of Jackson, Wyoming learned about them, it still appears to have taken much longer for the fungus to evolve into this form than it did in the video games. Joel and Ellie encountered them for years in The Last of Us—Part II.

But Stalkers’ delayed introduction on HBO’s version of The Last of Us is a fitting one. They only appeared a couple of times in the first game. While still rare in the sequel, they had a bigger presence in The Last of Us—Part II. They were also a bigger threat thanks to the game’s greatly improved enemy AI. That made Cordyceps’ smartest monsters even more terrifying, as Naughty Dog was truly able to deliver on the terrifying possibilities of infected that can outthink their human counterparts.

The Last of Us‘s season two premiere showed just how scary Stalkers are with Ellie’s encounter in that abandoned supermarket. But the real horror of their introduction lies in the fact that it was most certainly not a “one-off” like Tommy hopes. In episode two, we see how far the Infected have come. Instead of thoughtless creatures that seem to run on primal instinct and little else, we see creatures capable of launching a full-scale attack. The Infected, no doubt led by Stalkers, who are more capable of organization and thought, plan a major assault on the town of Jackson. It’s clear there’s some awareness happening for the zombies here. Not only did they sneak into the town through Jackson’s pipes, but the Infected also waited to amass a large enough number to take on the whole community. If Stalkers are capable of some kind of planning and strategy, that’s bad news for everyone in The Last of Us‘ universe.

The Last of us stalkers infected attack season 2

HBO

Because surely these aren’t the last. There are more stalkers out in the world of The Last of Us hiding….

Planning….

Waiting for the perfect moment to attack again.

STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW Brings Incredible Spectacle and Honors the Series (Review)

When I first heard about a Stranger Things play, I wasn’t certain what to exactly expect. Especially since Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a play created by the series’ showrunners, the Duffer brothers, and intended to exist as part of the franchise’s canon. Compellingly adding to canon in a way that isn’t stymied by trying to mold a story into a narrow space can be a complicated prospect. Additionally, so much of Stranger Things‘ story hinges on the addition of the nefarious Upside Down, a monstrous dimension that slides into ours. Could a Stranger Things play that takes place in front of a live audience truly capture the magic of that hours of carefully constructed VFX work does?

Happily, Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway heard all these concerns and used them to bolster an incredible two hours and forty-five minutes of spectacle. The story is riveting, the characters are familiar yet distinct from the ones we know, and the special effects of the stage play are simply astounding. Never have I seen a play so mesmerizing and technologically advanced. Stranger Things: The First Shadow would be wonderous on a screen, but in person, it achieved truly monumental feats.

Netflix

Stranger Things: The First Shadow takes us back to a different decade than the series, as we trade the ’80s for 1959. The show aims to immerse its audience right from the very first moment it enters the theater. Before the curtain even rises, period-appropriate music plays from the speakers, and we learn it comes courtesy of our radio station host, Bob “the Brain” Newby. The radio plays us ads that reference names familiar to a Stranger Things-loving crowd, such as one for Henderson’s liquors, and another that proclaims, “Maldonado will set you straight for your date.” And that referential, yet in a way new to the audience, energy continues throughout the entire show.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of it, I feel the opening sequence is worth highlighting. The lighting and staging truly transform the space. We get the feeling we are witnessing two different levels of a huge military ship all at once, and it really does feel like watching an episode of TV on a massive screen that’s actually in front of us. And then, when disaster strikes and the ship accidentally crashes into the Upside Down, a HUMONGOUS ship hull appears from nowhere and pierces through the stage. My jaw literally dropped. It was set design on a massive, massive scale, brought to its highest heights with blinding lights, incredible costuming, and even those drifting particles we know to be a sign that things have gone very wrong.

The rest of Stranger Things: The First Shadow follows two interlocking paths: the story of Henry Creel’s descent into darkness, and the story of Joyce, Bob, and a young Hopper (not to be called Junior!). The division here is very effective. The first storyline allows a place for a truly horrifying narrative to unfold in Stranger Things: The First Shadow. It offers this play space to explore what it truly seems to take pleasure in doing, and that’s creating a story full of psychological horror and genuine terror.

stranger things play the first shadow the upside down emerges

Netflix

Meanwhile, the latter storyline, which features Joyce putting on a play at Hawkins High and then the trio trying to crack the mystery of (trigger warning) why pets are dying everywhere in Hawkins, is more light-hearted. This arm of the Stranger Things play emulates the familiar feeling of “The Party” but doesn’t directly mimic it. Still, those looking for that kind of The Goonies energy that Stranger Things is so known for will be able to find it in these moments.

Creating horror in any medium is a challenge. Scaring an audience effectively is one of the hardest tasks in fiction. How do you keep terror building? But especially in the constraints of a play, it feels like a monumental undertaking. But Stranger Things: The First Shadow was genuinely scary, and that’s because all the many different facts that came together in concert to perfectly perform terror in real time.

What Happens When You Call the Number on STRANGER THINGS 5’s Eleven Missing Poster?

Two of these elements are light and sound. Harsh orchestration and flickering, almost dizzying lights would come from nowhere to create disorienting scenes that took the audience out of reality alongside the characters. Stranger Things: The First Shadow also enjoyed blinding the audience at times, which greatly added to the level of immersion in the performance. The Stranger Things play additionally made incredible use of shadow, mutilating the shapes that its shadows cast into fear-inducing figures. (That on occasion resembled the fully grown Vecna.)

stranger things the first shadow play - henry creel transforming

Netflix

These combined perfectly with the savage, almost animalistic acting that poured out of Louis McCartney in the scenes where the call of the Upside Down became too much to resist, contrasting his equally menacing, quiet, skulking demeanor outside of them. Putting the cherry on top were the special effects of Stranger Things: The First Shadow. In one disturbing scene, enormous spider-arms seemed to grow from Henry Creel’s body, distending, real and terrifying from his form. I’m still not exactly certain how these were achieved. In another, an endless flood of spiders suddenly skittered across portions of the stage. Again, the mechanism behind this eludes me.

The Upside Down is also brought to life in its full glory more than once. It comes with, as we mentioned, disgusting, cloying particles floating in the air, exactly as they do on Stranger Things, an angry, almost lava-like sky, and all manner of creatures from Demogorgons to a HUGE rendition of the Mind Flayer. And when I say HUGE, I mean HUGE!!! Whatever you’re imagining, but bigger, and suddenly floating down from nowhere in all its menacing glory.

demogorgon stranger things the shadow shadow play

Netflix

Of course, the story of Henry’s psychological struggle is the show’s most critical feature. We learn a little bit about the answer to the question of whether Henry is just pure evil, or whether there were greater forces at work manipulating him. This is all done in a way that does not absolve the character in Stranger Things, but does round him out a little bit more. His romance with Patty Newby (played by Gabrielle Nevaeh), one of the most important relationships in the play, is both beautiful and chilling. It almost humanizes him. And it contrasts perfectly with his interactions with Dr. Brenner, played by Alex Breaux. The two are the angel and devil on Henry’s shoulder.

Stranger Things play the first shadow patty newby and henry creel

Netflix

Patty’s importance to the greater Stranger Things world and whether she will appear in Stranger Things 5 remains an unanswered question, although she is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and emotional aspects of the play. Meanwhile, Dr. Brenner is the true villain of this tale, and his callousness is as horrifying as anything we find in Henry Creel’s solo scenes.

Stranger things the first shadow dr brenner and henry creel

Netflix

The Stranger Things play is also not afraid to GO THERE. I would say society considers animal, especially pet, death as taboo, even in horror movies, a scare used sparingly and only for maximum effect. But in Stranger Things: The First Shadow, visceral animal/pet death is displayed constantly without remorse and is one of the main fixtures of the plot. It’s truly shocking and incredibly bold.

stranger things the first shadow - young joyce at hawkins high

Netflix

Meanwhile, the scenes at Hawkins High add a fun levity to the world of Stranger Things: The First Shadow. In these outings, we get more of the normal high school adventures that we might want from our gang of familiar figures. We get to meet Dustin’s dad (who is the worst), Lucas’ parents, and even Ted Wheeler and Karen Childress. Ted Wheeler, we will say, has never been more likable than in the Stranger Things play. We couldn’t forget Eddie Munson’s dad, Alan Munson, of course. He’s a surprisingly sweet figure for all the talk we hear about him in Stranger Things 4. All these Easter eggs will surely delight long-time fans.

Looking to the core three, Joyce Maldonado played by Alison Jaye, is the perfect younger version of Joyce Byers: dramatic, stubborn, and single-minded. Bob Newby, played by Juan Carlos, is just as adorable and full of heart as his later iteration. And Hopper, played by Burke Swanson, he’s grumpy and snarky, as always, but with that current of something softer that we enjoy seeing.

stranger things the first shadow play - joyce, hopper, and bob

Netflix

The Stranger Things play really fleshes out some of their hopes, dreams, and motivations. (Most of which don’t come to pass.) And give us just a little more insight into how the adults we now know came to be. This trio has incredible chemistry, and they make for just a delightful set of characters to follow together. (As we’ll see later in their lives.) This storyline also comes together to flesh out for us just how Victor Creel came to be known as a mad killer so many years later.

April 22, 2025

Why Dedra Meero’s ANDOR Backstory Doesn’t Entirely Hold Up

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One of the best scenes in Andor season two’s third episode is the tense dinner where the overbearing mother of Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) meets her son’s girlfriend, ISB officer Dedra Meero (Denise Gough). The entire scene is comically awkward, although one gets the idea that Dedra actually does care for Syril and sticks up for him to his unrelenting and eternally unappeasable mother, Eedy (Kathryn Hunter). When she asks Dedra about her parents, Dedra says her parents were criminals who died when she was 3 years old, and she was “Raised in an Imperial Kinderblock.” But none of that tracks for us, for a few reasons. Was this whole explanation another one of Dedra’s lies?

Dedra Meero (Denise Gough) in the ISB offices in Andor.

Lucasfilm

First off, the timeline in that statement just doesn’t add up. In this episode, we are about BBY 4, which means four years before the events of A New Hope. So, the Empire has existed for roughly 15 years only at this point. The actress who plays Dedra is 45 years old. Even if we’re being generous and saying she’s playing younger, perhaps as young as 30, she would have still been a teenager when Palpatine declared his New Order. So there’s no way she was raised in a fascistic Imperial facility. Certainly not since she was three years old.

Dedra Meero (Denise Gough) and Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) in Andor.

Lucasfilm

Of course, the Galactic Republic probably had “Kinderblocks” for orphans too, and they just became Imperial in name after Palpatine became Emperor. So maybe what Dedra said is true, from a certain point of view. (Sorry, we had to.) But the way she told Syril’s mother made it sound like she was literally raised by Imperial dogma, and timeline-wise, that just can’t be the case. But then, for all we know, Dedra’s parents weren’t criminals at all, or even dead. Everything she said might be a fabrication.

ISB officer Dedra Meero flanked by Death Troopers in Andor.

Lucasfilm

Dedra’s statements actually point out one of Andor’s only big flaws: timeline discrepancies. Rogue One suffered from this too. In that film, Cassian said he’d been fighting the Empire since he was six years old. Now, we know he had a rough childhood, but the Empire didn’t exist when he was six. It often feels like Tony Gilroy’s main inspiration for the Empire in Andor is the Soviet Union. At least, the USSR as depicted in films of the ‘70s and ‘80s. During that time, the USSR had been around decades, with most grown adults raised in that system. But in the time of Andor and Rogue One, every adult has a memory of the Republic era. Yet it never really feels that way.

All of that aside, it still feels as if Dedra Meero is lying to Syril’s mother about her backstory. Would the Empire have taken in the child of criminals to such a high position within the ISB? Given how much the Empire caters to those with wealth and power, it seems unlikely. This just lends credence to the theory that Dedra is the secret daughter of Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn), which would explain why she keeps getting passes after so many failures at the ISB. Maybe before Andor reaches its conclusion we’ll find out the truth about Dedra Meero’s past. Or maybe this was all a rare instance of Dedra Meero being entirely truthful for once.

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Published on April 22, 2025 18:00

ANDOR Gives Us an Origin Story for Iconic Original STAR WARS Planet

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One of the most important worlds in the Star Wars canon is Yavin 4, where the Rebel Base was located in A New Hope. In fact, it’s so important that Lucasfilm delineates the entire Star Wars timeline as “Before the Battle of Yavin” and “After the Battle Yavin.” Usually, abbreviated as “BBY” and “ABY.” And the second episode of Andor might just gave us the origin story of Yavin 4 as the Rebellion’s most important base of operations. After all, from here they launched the offensive against the Death Star that delt a deadly blow to the Empire. This jungle covered planet is of huge historic significance to the overall Star Wars saga.

The Rebel Base on Yavin 4 as seen in Rogue One.

Lucasfilm

In episode one of Andor season two, Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) steals a new prototype TIE fighter. This is approximately four years before the events of Rogue One. He then goes to a discreet backwater planet to turn it over to another rebel agent. When he arrives on this jungle moon, a band of rebels who don’t know who he is instantly ambush him and take him prisoner. This storyline runs through much of episode one, and at the end of episode two, Cassian takes his ship back and escapes. As his TIE fighter takes off into space, we see he’s flying away from the ancient temples, with the red gas giant of Yavin looming above. The suggestion here is that Cassian Andor is the rebel who discovered Yavin, suggesting it for use by the Rebellion.

One of the original bases for the Rebellion was the planet of Dantooine. This is where Leia Organa told Tarkin they were operating from to save Alderaan. However, by the final season of Rebels, we know that the Rebel Alliance had a base operating from Yavin 4. We assume Cassian tells someone in the Alliance that Yavin 4 would make a perfect, remote headquarters for their operation. One that is deep enough in the Outer Rim Territories that the Empire isn’t likely to find them. The ancient Massassi temples on that world, abandoned for thousands of years, could provide the perfect cover for the Rebellion’s fleet of X-wings and other ships.

The Rebel fleet takes off from Yavin 4 in Star Wars: A New Hope.

Lucasfilm

Ultimately, how the Rebel Alliance found out about Yavin 4 wasn’t a question most fans really needed answered. Yet Andor season two finds a way to give us this little morsel of backstory anyway. We know the final episodes of Andor tie into Rogue One (and A New Hope) timeline-wise. So we imagine we’ll be spending more time on the jungle planet in future episodes. Old Star Wars Legends novels used the temples of Yavin 4 as the home of Luke Skywalker’s Jedi Academy. This is something that the sequels ultimately didn’t go with. But hey, Rey is starting a New Jedi Order in her own movie soon. Maybe Yavin 4 becomes the home planet for her own training Academy? And if she does use it, we now know she owes its discovery to the late Cassian Andor.

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Published on April 22, 2025 18:00

A Toys ‘R’ Us Feature Film Is in Development

We’ve seen video games, dolls, and other toys all as live-action movies recently. Some, like Minecraft and Barbie, to tremendous success. So we suppose it was only a matter of time before Hollywood set its sights on the place where the toys came from. According to a report from Variety, a film is in development about the iconic toy store chain Toys ‘R’ Us. Developing this new film is production company Story Kitchen. Apparently, the script will take some inspiration from Night at the Museum. So we may see a movie where tons of iconic toys come to life after hours, similar to Toy Story. Only with a lot more room for the living toys to run amok.

Here’s what Story Kitchen co-founders Dmitri M. Johnson and Mike Goldberg had to say about the potential Toys ‘R’ Us movie:

As ‘80s kids who considered Toys ’R’ Us one of the most magical places on Earth, we’re honored to partner to create a film that will capture the spirit of adventure, creativity and nostalgia that Toys ’R’ Us represents.

A Toys ‘R’ Us Feature Film Is in Development_1

Toys ‘R’ Us/Laura Northrup

The producers mention being ’80s kids and nostalgia, which suggests that the movie will be set in the retail chain’s heyday. This makes sense, as the ’80s were the era of Kenner Star Wars toys, not to mention Transformers, G.I. Joe, He-Man, Thundercats, Barbie, Care Bears, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Strawberry Shortcake, Smurfs, and about a hundred other iconic toy brands, were at their peak popularity. Imagine a movie where all these toys come to life, and have an adventure together with a group of scrappy kids? Of course, getting all the rights to these different toy brands might be an impossible hill to climb. But the money a movie like that could make, from both kids and nostalgic adults, could be massive. As long as Toys ‘R’ Us mascot Geoffrey Giraffe has a sizable role, we’re here for it.

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Published on April 22, 2025 16:45

THE ELDER SCROLLS IV: OBLIVION REMASTERED Is Available Now & Its Gameplay Trailer Is Here

Have you been holding your breath to see more from The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered? Well, you’re not the only one. The trailer for the remastered The Elder Scrolls IV game reached nearly 1,000,000 views on YouTube since it’s morning launch at the time of this writing. And it’s trending at YouTube’s #3 spot. That is no small amount of excitement. And we can see why. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered looks GOOD, but doesn’t lose anything the beloved classic had to offer its fans in the mix. It’s always a good day when your favorite game gets the evolution it deserves. Did we forget to mention that The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is also now available for purchase and play? Well, it is!

You can check out the full The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered trailer below.

Bethesda Softworks shares, “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is here! Experience the beloved classic with a modern look and refined suite of features and updates. Bethesda Game Studios’ foundational open-world role-playing game set the stage for nearly everything they have accomplished in the years since. Now Remastered, returning players and newcomers alike can experience the iconic RPG with a breathtaking new look. Get an in-depth look at all of the refinements in Oblivion Remastered, from visuals to gameplay and more.”

Open-world games are now a dime a dozen, but that wasn’t always the case. The Elder Scrolls IV absolutely helped set the tone for this kind of role-playing game, and really launched the Bethesda’s brand we know today. The nearly 20-minute look at the game is a testament to how seriously this remaster is being taken. And given that it’s been 20 years since the And yes. It looks GOOD. We’d be lying if we said we weren’t itching to get our hands on it.

The Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion Remastered gameplay release trailer

Bethesda Softworks

For those not in the know, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered synopsis is as follows:

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion™ Remastered modernizes the 2006 Game of the Year with all new stunning visuals and refined gameplay. Explore the vast landscape of Cyrodiil like never before and stop the forces of Oblivion from overtaking the land in one of the greatest RPG’s ever from the award-winning Bethesda Game Studios.

Rediscover Cyrodiil: Journey through the rich world of Tamriel and battle across the planes of Oblivion where handcrafted details have been meticulously recreated to ensure each moment of exploration is awe-inspiring.

Navigate Your Own Story: From the noble warrior to the sinister assassin, wizened sorcerer, or scrappy blacksmith, forge your path and play the way you want.

Experience an Epic Adventure: Step inside a universe bursting with captivating stories and encounter an unforgettable cast of characters. Master swordcraft and wield powerful magic as you fight to save Tamriel from the Daedric invasion.

The Complete Story: Experience everything Oblivion has to offer with previously released story expansions Shivering Isles, Knights of the Nine, and additional downloadable content included in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered.

And, on top of all of that, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is bringing back its infamous horse armor (and it’s been updated.) Why infamous you ask? Well, it’s because in 2006, horse armor cost you $2.50 to purchase. And that caused quite an uproar in a gaming community that had never paid extra for anything in their lives. In the gaming world, “Horse Armor” became short-hand for an overpriced DLC that contained nothing of note. Oops. In today’s world, we’re much more used to paying for DLC, so folks probably won’t blink at needing at $9.99 to their total to purchase the Deluxe version of the game (which will bring you horse armor and other fun extras.) But hey, we love to see Bethesda embracing the joke in a different kind of world. We guess the joke was really on us.

The Elder Scrolls IV- Oblivion Remastered horse armor

Bethesda Softworks

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is now available for purchase.

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Published on April 22, 2025 14:33

Max Password-Sharing Crackdown Ramps Up, ‘Extra Member’ Accounts Now Available

Who is ready for more password-sharing crackdowns? I know they are my favorite thing. In a streaming landscape filled with price increases, ads, and more, the password-sharing crackdowns still feel like the most egregious overtures made by streamers. Will you not just let us live? But no. Following in the footsteps of Netflix’s (sadly successful) password-sharing crackdown, we now have Max ramping up its own war on password sharing. We’ve been hearing about Max’s password-sharing crackdown for a little while, but it sounds like things are about to get serious. Max recently followed in Netflix’s footsteps and has added the ability to add an “extra member” to one’s account. Read: continue to share passwords, but pay for it. Here’s what we know.

As of April 22, Max has added an “Extra Member” Add-On feature for subscribers in the US. These “Extra Members” cost $7.99/month. Subscribers can use them to let someone not in their household create a separate account under the same subscription. Here, Max defines “household” as “the account owner (the person who created the account) and the people they live with.” We’d just like to remind everyone that ‘streaming household’ is a made-up term created by Max, Netflix, Disney+, and other streamers only for password-sharing crackdown purposes, but we digress.

The Last of Us Joel season two for Max password sharing crackdown article

HBO

Warner Bros. Discovery has announced that it will soon notify its subscribers that sharing passwords with users outside their household is no longer permitted. And, as part of Max’s password-sharing crackdown, use will be futurely restricted to the household only unless an Extra Member account is in place.

Max additionally shares, “Your Max account is for you and the people you live with. With the Extra Member Add-On, WarnerMedia-billed subscribers can share their Max plan with a friend or family member who doesn’t live with them.” And notes that with the Extra Member Add-On, the extra member can:

Stream from anywhere that Max is available (they don’t need to live with the account owner).Stream on any supported device (1 device at a time).Have their own account, password, and 1 profile.Enjoy the same plan features as the account owner (e.g. if the owner has the Premium plan, the extra member can enjoy 4K Ultra HD video quality on select titles). the last of us season two clicker in the snow, for Max password sharing crackdown article

the last of us season two clicker in the snow, for Max password sharing crackdown article

HBO

Currently, you can only have one add-on member per Max account. Those who create Extra Member profiles will be able to transfer their single adult profile, and thus retain watch history, recommendations, and other settings from their previous account. Basically, the advantage to conforming to this password-sharing crackdown feature is that you won’t have to start your Max account from scratch.

Will MAUL: SHADOW LORD Use Part of George Lucas’ Original Sequel Trilogy Plans?

One of the big surprise announcements coming out of Star Wars Celebration was the news of Maul: Shadow Lord. This new animated series will feature the former Sith Lord, Maul, voiced once again by Sam Witwer. The series will pick up a year after the end of The Clone Wars, but years before Maul’s appearance in Solo and eventually, Rebels. Although they didn’t release the exclusive trailer, we did get a synopsis. Folks at the convention described how in Shadow Lord, Maul takes up a new apprentice, a young Twi’lek girl. This sounds like the Sith Lord Darth Talon who first appeared in Legends material. It seems this premise is at least partially based on George Lucas’ early ideas for the sequel trilogy.

(Left) Darth Maul in Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Right) Darth Talon from Star Wars Legends material.

Lucasfilm

Back in 2020, author Paul Duncan revealed that in Lucas’ original treatment, the main antagonist in a post-Empire galaxy was a criminal syndicate run by Darth Maul and his apprentice, Darth Talon. This lady Sith, originally from the Star Wars Legacy comics, would be the main villain. Obviously, the sequels went in a totally different direction. But Lucasfilm’s Dave Filoni (himself an apprentice to George Lucas), is possibly reviving at least part of that proposed storyline. We know the series focuses on Maul building a criminal syndicate, which eventually becomes Crimson Dawn, but it seems this will also canonize Talon. She likely won’t be Darth Talon, as “Darth” is a Sith title, and Maul is no longer a Sith. Filoni is always trying to bring Lucas’ concepts back into canon.

Lucasfilm

Will other elements of Lucas’ sequel treatment make it into Maul: Shadow Lord? Well, there won’t be Luke and Leia, as they are infants during this time. So instead of Crimson Dawn emerging during the era of the Imperial Remnant, it will emerge in the early years of the Empire. This, of course, means fans might get something they’ve been waiting years for, which is Maul vs. Darth Vader. Rebels almost gave us this moment, but backed off from it in the end. Speaking of Rebels, that series showed how Maul’s story ends. But it seems Shadow Lord will show Maul’s transition from crime lord to the somewhat pathetic figure we saw in Rebels. We’re excited to see how the first animated Star Wars show focusing on a villain plays out.

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Published on April 22, 2025 09:57

THE MANDALORIAN & GROGU Shares First Look Image

Disney+’s two biggest stars are headed to the big screen. The next adventure for Star Wars‘ Din Djarin and his little green son will take place in theaters. What awaits the two when they get there? Who else will join them in making the move from television to cinema? And who will tell this new chapter in their story?

At Star Wars Celebration, we got our first look at Pedro Pascal’s return in The Mandalorian & Grogu. It’s sure nice to see Pascal’s face again in this context, and we do hope we’ll get to see it more than once in the movie.

Here’s everything we know about The Mandalorian & Grogu so far, including its release date.

The Mandalorian & Grogu‘s Plot Din Djarin holds Grogu while flying away from an exploding ship bathed in orange fire in promo work for The Mandalorian & Grogu

Din Djarin holds Grogu while flying away from an exploding ship bathed in orange fire in promo work for The Mandalorian & Grogu

Walt Disney Studios

The movie’s official announcement did not include a plot synopsis or any specifics about its story. It’s also unknown how it might connect to other Disney+ shows, characters, and other planned featured films. The only insight came from Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy’s statement in the press release. She said The Mandalorian & Grogu will tell a “new story” she describes as a “perfect fit for the big screen.” The movie’s first official artwork does show Din and Grogu fleeing an exploding ship, but that might be just a normal Thursday for them.

At D23, we saw a sneak peek of The Mandalorian & Grogu. It did not show too much, but it did reveal that Zeb would be back in the Star Wars movie, as would the Razor Crest, despite the ship’s season two destruction in The Mandalorian season two. Additionally, the teaser focused on something that looked like a giant battle on Hoth, complete with AT-ATs and Snow Troopers. At one point, Din Djarin infiltrates an AT-ST walker as it bounds through the snow. We also see a shot of Grogu in a tiny ship with two Anzellans.

Until we get any actual details about the film’s plot, any speculation about The Mandalorian & Grogu will be based on where the Disney+ show left the characters after season three, as well as the known state of the galaxy far, far away during the time period of the early days of the New Republic and what we know followed it.

Behind-the-Scenes

The Mandalorian creator and showrunner Jon Favreau will direct the film. He’ll also serve as a producer along with both Kennedy and longtime Star Wars stalwart Dave Filoni.

Production is set to begin in 2024. It will shoot for a scheduled 92 days in California, where it has received one of the state’s biggest tax credits ever for a movie. Reports say work on The Mandalorian & Grogu will include 500 crew members, 54 cast members, and 3500 background players.

The Mandalorian & Grogu‘s Cast THE MANDALORIAN & GROGU Shares First Look Image_1

Lucasfilm

Pedro Pascal’s voice is all but certain to be a part of the movie. It’s unclear how much, if any, he will physically play the role, though. At this point on the Disney+ show the part of Mando is primarily a voice-over one for Pascal. Actors Brendan Wayne and Lateef Crowder share responsibility for playing the masked Din Djarin on film. If Din never removes his helmet in the movie, Pascal’s involvement could take place entirely off-screen. He did physically play the character in the past. Maybe he’ll put on his beskar armor once again for a big budget film.

Grogu standing in his robe on marble steps on The Mandalorian

Lucasfilm

Star Wars has yet to announce any official cast members for the movie. Other members of The Mandalorian are likely to also star in the film, however. Those alums include Katee Sackhoff, Emily Swallow, and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee. Ahsoka stars like Genevieve O’Reilly, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Rosario Dawson, Lars Mikkelsen, and Eman Esfandi are also obvious candidates to appear, as is Boba Fett himself, Temuera Morrison.

Sigourney Weaver in Alien and the mandalorian and grogu

20th Century Studios/Lucasfilm

Recently, Sigourney Weaver confirmed her place in the Star Wars universe. Yes, Sigourney Weaver, the Alien icon, will be meeting a much nicer space creature this time around in The Mandalorian & Grogu. Weaver shares, “I’m playing a role in The Mandalorian & Grogu [which will be directed by Jon Favreau]. I got to meet Grogu for the first time the other day.” We love to hear it.

(L) Jeremy Allen White in The Bear (R) Rotta the Hutt in The Clone Wars animated movie.

FX Networks/Lucasfilm

Additionally, Jeremy Allen White has also joined the cast as Jabba the Hutt’s son, Rotta.

Hologram of an Imperial Warlord of the Shadow Council on The Mandalorian

Lucasfilm

The latest bit of casting news provides some insight into the film’s plot. Deadline reports Jonny Coyne (Bodies) will reprise his role as the Imperial Warlord. The character first appeared as part of The Mandalorian‘s Shadow Council in season three. The group of high-level officers remain loyal to the Empire after its fall and hope to restore it to power. Coyne’s character was also doing well for himself personally thanks to hit-and-run plundering of hyperspace lanes.

We expected the Shadow Council to return for the film in some capacity, and this confirms the group will make its presence felt.

The Mandalorian & Grogu‘s Release Date

The Mandalorian & Grogu is scheduled to come to theaters on May 22, 2026.

Originally published on February 26, 2024.

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Published on April 22, 2025 09:56

New MONSTER HIGH Comic Reveal—MONSTER HIGH: WORLD’S SCARE (Exclusive)

Get in Ghouls, the moment has come to spend some quality time with our favorite Boo Crew. Yes, we’re talking about our favorite monsterously stylish characters from Monster High. At Nerdist, we love the gore-gous way Monster High highlights how our differences and weirdnessess make us truly special. And that’s why we feel thrilled to exclusively reveal that a brand new Monster High limited comic series, Monster High: World’s Scare, is coming our way in July from Mattel and IDW Publishing.

Here’s what you need to know about Monster High: World’s Scare (and our exclusive cover reveals of Monster High: World’s Scare #1, a massive double-sized issue.)

New MONSTER HIGH Comic Reveal—MONSTER HIGH: WORLD’S SCARE (Exclusive)_1

IDW Publishing Monster High: World’s Scare Will Answer Burning Fan Questions

Get ready for a new terrifyingly good Monster High comic miniseries. This time, we’ll follow Frankie Stein and the Boo Crew as they compete in The World’s Scare, where gifted ghouls showcase their eerie ideas and latest breakthroughs that could change monster-kind forever! Their invention, a tribute to Frankie Stein’s late father, Headmaster Frankenstein, is sure to shock the judges.

New MONSTER HIGH Comic Reveal—MONSTER HIGH: WORLD’S SCARE (Exclusive)_2

IDW Publishing

Editor Riley Farmer shares more about the new Monster High comic series, teasing that it will definetly answer some questions that fans have on their minds. Farmer reveals, “Just like the 19th century World’s Fairs, Monster High: World’s Scare seeks to explore the unknown and answer science’s biggest questions for the betterment of monsterkind. It’s an emotional ride that answers questions fans have been clawing to know: Was someone really working with Lothar? What is Draculaura doing with Frankenstein’s notebook? Who is CryptCrier?” We are thrilled to team up with Mattel to bring this vision to life, and with Jacque Aye and Caroline Shuda at the helm, this series is sure to be fangtastic. Perfect for new and old fangs, looking for something to sink their… well, their fangs into!”

We always love a series that’s just right for old fans and new. And when stylish famous monsters enter into the mix in the best way, we just can’t resist. Especially not when we look at this gorgeous alternate cover for Monster High: World’s Scare. Check it out above.

MONSTER HIGH Live-Action Movie On the Way From Mattel and UniversalWhen Will the New Monster High Comic Series, World’s Scare, Release?

Look out for Monster High: World’s Scare this July. Monster High: World’s Scare comes from writer Jacque Aye and artist Caroline Shuda. The gorgeous cover art is done by Betsy Cola.

Monster High: World’s Scare will have a total of five issues in its limited comic book series run. And it is now available for pre-order at local comic shops and online. The first issue of the mini-series will be delightfully double-sized for as many tricks and treats as possible. To find a comic shop near you, check out comicshoplocator.com.

More About the Monster High Comic Series From Mattel and IDW Publishing

Ryan Ferguson, Global Head of Publishing at Mattel, reminds us why the Monster High comic series touch folks so deeply and delight so many different kinds of people. “Monster High is all about embracing what makes us unique, and our collaborators at IDW Publishing really captured that spirit in this new series,” Ferguson reveals. “We’re excited for fans to dive into these fresh adventures and discover even more about these iconic characters while celebrating their individuality in ways that only Monster High can!”

IDW Publishing

If you just can’t wait to get your claws on Monster High: World’s Scare to release, you can check out hte rest of IDW Mattel’s Monster High comics line.

Monster High: Bull’s Eye – For the first time in over a decade, out-of-print comics have come back to unlife. On sale now and featuring each short story from I Only Have Eye for You by Heather Nuhfer and Kellee Riley in a new format for fans to feast their eyes on. Monster High: New Scaremester Vol. 1 – On Monday, May 6, this release which collects issues #1-4 plus the 2024 Free Comic Book Day release, lurks into book stores everywhere. Monster High: Pride 2025 – On Wednesday, May 28, skelebrate LGBTQIA+ fiends with a new comic.

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