Chris Hardwick's Blog, page 113

April 9, 2025

Universal Epic Universe Super Nintendo World: Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country Review

When we crossed through the portal into Universal Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World and then jumped into Super Mario’s iconic green Warp Pipe, went up an escalator, and emerged into Super Mario Land, my mind was genuinely blown. Super Mario Land didn’t just feel like another section of a theme park; it genuinely felt like a new park all its own. There was so much to look at and try to take in, it was nearly impossible to know where to turn your head.

From inside Super Mario Land, you can’t see any other parts of Epic Universe. It’s just you and a metric ton of irresistible Super Mario Easter eggs, complete with bright, appealing colors, familiar sound effects, and life-sized moving versions of your favorite game mechanics. We haven’t even mentioned the wonder of Super Nintendo World’s Donkey Kong Land. Super Nintendo World was totally overwhelming, in the best way. Let’s take a look at everything it has in store for Nintendo fans of every kind.

Universal Epic Universe Super Nintendo World: Super Mario LandUniversal Epic Universe Super Nintendo World Super Mario Land portalNerdist

Mt. Beanpole? Check. Princess Peach’s Castle? Check. Piranha Plants, Goombas, Spinning Coins, Question Mark Blocks, Pow Blocks (oh my!)? Check. We could not stress any harder that walking into Super Mario Land is literally like walking into a living, breathing version of your favorite video games. Everything is so detailed, and so vibrant, and so interactive, you’re immersed beyond belief.

Universal Epic Universe Super Nintendo World Super Mario Land green warp pipeNerdistUniversal Epic Universe Super Nintendo World Super Mario Land overallNerdistUniversal Epic Universe Super Nintendo World Super Mario Land settingsNerdist

As you stroll through the land, you start to see that Piranha plants are really moving all around you, opening their red and white maws in preparation for their dinner. And the Question Mark Blocks, well, if you have a Power-Up band from Universal Epic Universe, then you can actually earn coins in real time by punching the blocks as they float by you throughout the park. There’s even a huge Bowser’s Castle looming over everything and hidden eggs for you to spy around every corner. What more could you want?

Universal Epic Universe Super Nintendo World Super Mario Land Question Mark BlockNerdist Super Mario Land RidesUniversal Epic Universe Super Nintendo World Super Mario Land flowersNerdist

Well, we imagine you’ll want to know about the rides that await you in the Super Mario Land section of Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World. In this section of the park, there are two rides to look out for: Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge and Yoshi’s Adventure.

Universal Epic Universe Super Nintendo World Super Mario Land Mario Kart RideNerdist

In Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, an immense amount of technology comes together to put you right into the middle of a Mario Kart game. Yes, you’ll actually get to sit in a Mario Kart during this ride. Throughout the gamified adventure, which fuses augmented reality, projection mapping technology, and elaborate environments, you’ll be collecting coins, tossing shells at Team Bowser, dodging obstacles, and trying to steer your cart. If it sounds like it’s a lot… well, it is! But like the rest of Super Mario Land, in a good way. You’ll actually get to wear a Mario hat and a visor that displays AR visuals right in front of your face. On top of that, you’ll be experiencing input from all around you. So get ready to hit the Rainbow Road hard.

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Meanwhile, Yoshi’s Adventure is a much chiller experience, think The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride! in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. This train-like ride will take you on an adorable adventure searching for glowing eggs with Yoshi. It’s good for all ages and offers stunning views of Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World.

Universal Epic Universe Super Nintendo World Super Mario Land Yoshi adventureNerdistUniversal Epic Universe Super Nintendo World: Donkey Kong Country

But wait, there’s more! Cross through yet another portal and you’ll find yourself in a whole new part of Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World, Donkey Kong Country. Oh yeah, Donkey Kong is King here and he’s not shy about it. Bananas, let me say, are everywhere. Iconic Super Nintendo landmarks such as  The Golden Temple dot this landscape, and the whole affair has a much different tone to Super Mario Land. Everything feels tropical, golden, and lush.

Universal Epic Universe Donkey Kong Country the golden templeNerdistUniversal Epic Universe Donkey Kong Country bananasNerdistDonkey Kong Country’s Mine-Cart Madness Roller Coaster Jumps Gaps in the TrackUniversal Epic Universe Donkey Kong Country environmentNerdist

Though we love tropical food offerings and merchandise, it’s Donkey Kong Country’s Mine-Cart Madness that really captured our hearts. It might be one of the most unique rides in Epic Universe. As promised, Mine-Cart Madness abandons the traditional track to jump gaps, go careening sideways, and really play mind games on you in the best way.

Universal Epic Universe Donkey Kong Country rideNerdist

Of course, you’re not really leaving the track behind; the track just isn’t actually how this Donkey Kong roller coaster operates. But it still feels really thrilling to “jump the track,” as they say, and suddenly go lurching off what looks like safety. If you can keep your wits about you, you might spy special Easter eggs hidden in the ride as well.

Universal Epic Universe Donkey Kong Country Mine Kart Madness Roller CoasterNerdist

We feel this is exactly the kind of thing Donkey Kong would cook up.

Universal Epic Universe Donkey Kong Country barrell and balloonsNerdistUniversal Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World Teases The Legend of Zelda and MoreUniversal Epic Universe Super Nintendo World Super Mario Land The legend of zelda zelda and link stained glassNerdist

Of course, Super Nintendo World opens up a vast number of possibilities for other lands in Universal Epic Universe. And we saw some teases for other properties that might come join Mario and Donkey Kong in the theme park. For instance, a gorgeous stained glass display highlighted The Legend of Zelda‘s Zelda and Link. And we couldn’t help noticing that the Triforce was prominently displayed on the ground of the Nintendo Super Star Store.

Universal Epic Universe Super Nintendo World Super Mario Land triforce rugNerdist

All of that gets us very excited for Super Nintendo World, everything it delivers to us now and everything we could see in the future.

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Fans can visit Super Nintendo World, Super Mario Land, and Donkey Kong Country when Universal Epic Universe opens on May 22.

REad next

Universal Epic Universe’s Isle of Berk Is a Dragon Animatronic Wonderland

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Published on April 09, 2025 12:08

Director Christopher Landon Says He Left SCREAM 7 Due to Aggressive Death Threats

Anyone who knows me knows that I love the Scream franchise. I frequently turn the first three movies on for a little “comfort watch” while I do chores or work. Yes, I hated the Billy Ghost in the past two films and had some issues with both movies. But I don’t think Scream (2022) and Scream VI are bad movies. I liked them enough to be excited about Scream 7, but now I’m not feeling so sure about this one. This film just might be cursed, y’all. The latest not-great news comes from the former director of Scream 7, Christopher Landon, who revealed that he left the film after getting death threats. 

As we all know by now, the trajectory of Scream 7 went south after Spyglass Media Group fired its star Melissa Barrera for her pro-Palestine comments on social media. That rubbed a lot of fans the wrong way and it set off a chain of unfortunate events for those left behind. Shortly after Barrera’s exit, Christopher Landon took to social media to tell fans to stop harassing him because her firing was not his decision. However, the post got a swift deletion and Landon left the project soon afterwards. Now, in a recent Entertainment Weekly interview, he’s opening up about how his dream job turned into a nightmare. 

ghostface running in a theater in scream viParamount Pictures

“People were threatening to kill me and my family, to the point where the FBI was getting involved,” he shared. “I got messages saying, ‘I’m going to find your kids, and I’m going to kill them because you support child murder.'”

He continued, “The head of security at various studios and the FBI had to examine the threats. It was highly aggressive and really scary.” It is truly a shame that he had to endure such cruel treatment over something that wasn’t his fault. Fans not loving Melissa’s firing is one thing but threatening to harm Landon and his family is horrific.

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Jenna Ortega Confirms the Real Reason She Left the SCREAM Franchise

Recently, Jenna Ortega said that she left because things were crumbling following Barrera’s firing. She also wanted to work with Radio Silence, the creative team behind the last two films. So yeah, this film had a lot of mess swirling around it. Combine that with the weirdness of bringing back more dead characters, some of whom were former Ghostfaces, and I just don’t know what to think. I love Sidney Prescott down but girl, it’s messy over there.

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Published on April 09, 2025 10:52

How THE WHEEL OF TIME Series Fixes The Books’ Major Issues with Women Characters

The Wheel of Time season three is firing on all cylinders, giving us new locations and raising the stakes. The series has continued to expand its world and the cultures shown within it, giving us a taste of Robert Jordan’s sprawling lore. The show has remained a consistent adaptation, choosing to keep the primary plot focused on Rand’s quest to master his power. What the show has also done particularly well is adapting is the revision of its women characters and its diversity.

The cast members of the series have attested to the power of the women in the books and the series. They especially praise how much more diverse the show is than the books. The women characters benefit from better writing, and the show’s world also looks a bit more like our own. Shohreh Aghdashloo, who portrays the ever-scheming Elaida, talked to us about the importance of the diversity of the show:

“Being a part of these shows gives me a chance to prove to all the little girls around the globe, in Asia, Africa, Middle East or elsewhere – when they see me in this series, they would think, ‘Wait a second. If they made it, I would be able to make it too,’ and that’s the message I personally would send out, to not to be afraid to pursue what you believe in, what you love.”

How THE WHEEL OF TIME Series Fixes The Books’ Major Issues with Women Characters_1Prime Video

The Wheel of Time women in the novels are strong characters, but the books are and have always been a product of their time. They think about their appearance a lot, are often folding their arms in anger over their “bosoms”, and spend far too much time thinking about the men.

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Shohreh Aghdashloo Dives Into THE WHEEL OF TIME’s Rivalry Between Elaida and Suian Sanche

The books mostly come from Rand’s point of view. He spends a lot of his time suspicious of everyone around him, especially the women of the Aes Sedai. Moving away from Rand’s occasionally unreliable narration to Moiraine in season one allows the show to push past some of the more one-dimensional depictions of the women around Rand. 

The Aes Sedai in The Wheel of Time are highly skilled and powerful women. But in the books, much of their accumulated power stems from pure manipulation of the people around them. Moiraine, in particular, is always calculating and three steps ahead of everyone else. This is still true for the show. But she is also gets to be something more than that through her relationship with Siuan.

Their relationship potentially jeopardizing Moiraine’s search for the Dragon and Siuan’s preparation of the White Tower to serve him makes Moiraine’s secrecy much more compelling than just her hoping to manipulate Rand. It would be lovely to see Siuan and Moiraine happily together. But at least this version of their relationship allows them to be more than just master manipulators, which is often the description for the Aes Sedai.

As Egwene, Nynaeve, and Elayne also join the Aes Sedai in the books, Rand feels that he has lost trust in them almost entirely. According to his point of view, they are constantly conversing about him. Or they are making plans to use him in one way or the other. Rand’s mind is tainted by the madness from the male power, Saidin. So it is understandable that he would be paranoid. However, this paranoia is only truly expressed towards the women and not to his mentor figures Lan and Thom Merrilin. 

One of my biggest issues with the books is that three women are in love with Rand. This is for no apparent reason other than the fact that he is ta’veren and the Dragon, someone who has a particularly strong influence on the way the Wheel turns. These three women are Elayne, Aviendha, and Min.

image of moiraine the aes sedai wielding her power in wheel of time season three trailerPrime Video

In the books, they mutually agree to continue their relationships with Rand (which is definitely weird). Obviously, it is quite different in the series. And this is for the better. Min only briefly meets Rand in the books before seeing a vision of her and two other women around him. And she knows that she will have a connection to him forever. It doesn’t take very long for her to realize that she is in love with Rand, but she is as confused about this development as the readers.

Min is an intriguing character who struggles with the darkness of her visions, but is often ready with a quip and a great sense of humor. However, her pining over Rand constantly overshadows any of this. She even goes so far as to change her preferred outfit of shirt and pants in favor of dresses to impress him. Tying her to Rand in such a way tragically reduces her agency, but the series wisely avoids this. In seasons two and three, we see Min and Mat develop a great friendship. They trade banter at lightning speed, and it is far more interesting than Min’s constant pining over Rand. 

The show’s writers have also moved to instead capitalize on the obvious romantic subtext between Elayne and Aviendha. This connection between them has long been apparent to fans. Aviendha spends a lot of time with Rand in the Aiel Waste with the task of protecting him. In the books, especially book four, The Shadow Rising, Aviendha is forced to be at Rand’s side at all times. And because of that time, she falls in love with Rand. Readers have always seen through the subtext in Jordan’s books. To make it canon in the series was a much better choice than tying Elayne and Aviendha closely to Rand.

How THE WHEEL OF TIME Series Fixes The Books’ Major Issues with Women Characters_2Prime Video

This growth beyond connections to Rand for the women in the series is also true for Egwene. Despite her romance with Rand, she’s now one of the most powerful wielders of Saidar. Egwene is one of the most powerful women to come to the White Tower. The series has shown this very clearly, as she has already faced off (albeit briefly) against a Forsaken. 

One of the most frustrating characters to many Wheel of Time fans has always been Nynaeve. Some fans are more annoyed by her general angry demeanor. But what bothers me most is how long it takes for her to overcome her block. She is only able to wield her power under extreme duress. And this often reduces her character to having problems handling her emotions. What a tired trope. We hear a lot about how powerful Nynaeve is, and how she could be one of the most powerful Aes Sedai to ever live, but we don’t really see a lot of it in the books. This gets an improvement in the series, as we do see wield her power a few times. 

Like many other women in the show, Nynaeve is able to grow beyond her romantic relationship—or lack thereof—with Lan Mandragoran, who is Moiraine’s Warder. Lan does a rather frustrating routine of “I can’t be with you, even though I love you, because I’m not good enough for you” in the books, and Nynaeve thus spends a lot of time pining for him too. Nynaeve is fierce and takes no prisoners, so the choice to have her pine so deeply for Lan confounded me. But the show sidesteps this deftly. As one of the strongest women in the series, the revision to her character is definitely welcome.

While The Wheel of Time books are often hailed for their many strong female characters, the books reduce these women to one dimension. Those stories make their lives revolve too often around their romantic relationships. The series rectifies this by making these women have fuller lives and stories outside their romantic relationships, focusing on their own power and friendships too.

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Published on April 09, 2025 10:10

THE LAST OF US Renewed For Season 3 at HBO

The fun-gi times are going to continue rolling at HBO. The network has announced it has renewed Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin’s The Last of Us for a third season ahead of the show’s season two premiere this weekend. Yes, season 3 of The Last of Us is a go.

THE LAST OF US Renewed For Season 3 at HBO_1HBO

Fans of HBO’s The Last of Us already have a big reason to celebrate. This Sunday, April 13, the show will begin its seven-episode second season. Now viewers can go into the series’ sophomore outing knowing it will be back for its junior year. HBO has already greenlit the show for its next installment, season three.

This news is not even remotely surprising, but the timing might be to some. Why such an early announcement when excitement is already high? My own review here at Nerdist noted that the otherwise fantastic season feels incomplete. This might be HBO’s way of easing the minds of viewers who feel the same way at the conclusion of the second chapter.

the last of us season two clicker in the snowMax

“It can’t be overemphasized how proud HBO is for the outstanding achievement we believe the second season of The Last of Us is,” said Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films, in a press release. “Craig, Neil, Carolyn, and the entire executive producer team, cast, and crew have delivered a masterful follow-up, and we’re thrilled to carry the power of Craig and Neil’s storytelling into what we know will be an equally moving and extraordinary third season.”

While the show will get something the video game franchise has not—a third installment—Mazin has previously stated the show will not go past the second game. How will that work? You can probably guess. And if you can’t, you’ll definitely understand by the end of season two.

As for the show’s return, it takes place five years after season one ends. Here’s season two’s official synopsis:

Five years after the events of the first season, Joel and Ellie are drawn into conflict with each other and a world even more dangerous and unpredictable than the one they left behind.

Unpredictable officially no longer applies to whether or not The Last of Us will get a season three. Let the fun-gi times continue rolling. Or, in the case of cordyceps on the show, growing.

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Published on April 09, 2025 09:29

Jack Lowden Is in Talks to Play Mr. Darcy in Netflix’s PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Series

There are some stories that will continue to get adaptations from now until the literal world ends. One of them is Pride and Prejudice, the Jane Austen novel that’s been adapted for many film, television, and theater productions. According to Variety, Netflix now has a Pride and Prejudice series in development with Everything I Know About Love author Dolly Alderton to pen the script.

According to Variety, Jack Lowden is in talks to portray Mr. Darcy. You’ll probably recognize him from Slow Horses or from his time as Sauron on The Rings of Power.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Series in Development at Netflix_1Focus Films

Predictably, there’s no further information about the Netflix Pride and Prejudice series. It is not greenlit and there are no cast members associated with the project. Honestly, I don’t believe that there’s anything that can top the 2005 film with Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfayden. But maybe this one will be enjoyable. Funnily enough, I enjoyed Pride & Prejudice: Atlanta on Lifetime, but that’s because Jackee Harry is a gem.

If it does come to Netflix, fans better hope that it is a miniseries. The streaming service is becoming more known for cancelling shows after only one season that they are for content that boasts longevity. We will see what happens.

Originally published on October 11, 2024.

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Published on April 09, 2025 09:11

April 8, 2025

Hugh Jackman Appears as Wolverine in Bizarre 8 Hour Long “Breathing Exercise” Video

Are ambience videos still a thing? We have to admit, we still do love Halloween ambience videos when that time of year comes around. But Marvel Studios is sure hoping they are still popular. Because they’ve just released a “Breathing Exercise” ambience video of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine to their official YouTube channel. It’s just Logan, in his yellow costume from Deadpool & Wolverine, staring into the camera and breathing heavily. For over 8 1/2 hours. Although if you fast forward to about the hallway mark, there’s an Easter egg for X-Men comics fans. You can watch this bizarre “Breathe With Wolverine” video right here:

It’s been almost a year since the release of Deadpool & Wolverine, which slaughtered the box office last year. It seems odd that Marvel is releasing a video promoting Hugh Jackman as Wolverine so long after the film’s release. Unless, of course, they are preparing the fandom for the announcement that Hugh Jackman is returning for Avengers: Doomsday. With so many of the original X-Men characters returning for Doomsday, their star player almost certainly is too, right?

Hugh Jackman Appears as Wolverine in Bizarre 8 Hour Long “Breathing Exercise” Video_1Marvel Comics/Marvel Studios

As for the Easter egg in the middle of the video, it’s Hugh Jackman’s Wolvie recreating the “Come get some” pose with his finger and claws out. This is a recreation of the iconic cover by Frank Miller to Wolverine #1 from way back in 1982. We have to admit, it looks a bit weird, but it’s also fun to see that very popular image come to life. We’re not sure if we need any more breathing exercise videos from any other Marvel heroes anytime soon, however. But if they do decide to make some, we feel it’s probably Deadpool’s turn. Although honestly, we think it should go to Groot. We are very on board for a soothing Groot breathing exercise in these stressful times.

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Published on April 08, 2025 15:53

I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER Sequel Reveals First Look Images

In the ‘90s, Scream led to a swath of teen ensemble horror franchises like Final Destination and I Know What You Did Last Summer. It’s now officially back into the game with last year’s hit movie and another film coming soon. So, it is not surprising that the franchise is inspiring others to dust off their dormant universes and return back for more gore. An I Know What You Did Last Summer sequel will release on July 18, 2025.

After lots of waiting, we finally have our first look images from I Know What You Did Last Summer.

Yes, this film will have the same name as the OG one. While this image is a vibe, having two films in a horror franchise with the exact same name is not.


We know what you're doing this summer. 🪝 7.18.25 pic.twitter.com/xd6bEl4UU0

— I Know What You Did Last Summer (@ikwydlsmovie) March 27, 2025

A while back, Jennifer Love Hewitt confirmed her return as Julie James.

More recently, the actress posted a letter with that infamous plain scribble to Instagram. There are a few things to glean from here.

First, it could indicate that Julie James has more of a leading role than we initially thought she would. It is possible for her to be helping the next generation but perhaps she interacts with a younger group of people because she’s a teacher or working with them in some capacity. Second, the envelope has “Julie James” on it, which means that she may not have married Ray Bronson. Of course, not every married woman takes her husband’s last name but it has also been many years since last film. People break up and maybe its another killer with a hook who brings them back together, like Gale and Dewey from Scream.

The final observation is that Julie is living in North Carolina, but not in her small town. While the address is fictional, Raleigh is very much so a real city and the capital of NC that’s centrally located in the state. The first film takes place in Southport, NC, which is a coastal town, and the second film showed in her college in Boston. What made Julie move back to her home state? What’s going on with her family? It is all very interesting.

Freddie Prinze, Jr. is also officially returning for the I Still Know What You Did Last Summer sequel and reprising his role as Ray Bronson. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Brandy basically says “I wanna be down” with the upcoming I Know What You Did Last Summer action. We do love us some Karla Wilson, who survived the events of I Still Know What You Did Last Summer. But, we haven’t heard any word of her being on set and filming as Karla. It has been years since the events of that movie and perhaps Karla did the smart thing and got far, far away from Julie and Ray.

“I need them to give me a call because I survived in that movie!” Brandy affirmed. “I came out in the end, bloodied up, ready to go. I did not die in that film… Jennifer, Freddie, hit me up.”

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Madelyn Cline, Sarah Pidgeon, Tyriq Withers and Jonah Hauer-King are all in talks to star in the movie. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson is set to direct this sequel.

photo of jennifer love hewitt and freddie prinze jr as julie and ray in i know what you did last summer Columbia Pictures

The I Know What You Did Last Summer sequel could follow a format similar to what we saw in Scream (2022). Legacy characters like Julie James and Ray Bronson will return to help newer people get through a horrific antagonist is a win for longtime fans and new ones, too. It would be interesting, though, considering that the last time we saw these I Know What You Did Last Summer characters, it seemed that the hooked killer was about to murder them. Of course, this could have simply been Julie’s bad dream.

Thankfully, a canceled fourth film with their confirmed deaths didn’t take place. We will see how it all goes down this summer when the film hits theaters.

Originally published on February 7, 2023.

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Published on April 08, 2025 13:58

Alan Cumming Says Nightcrawler Makeup in AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY Got Down to 90 Minutes

Kurt Wagner, a.k.a. Nightcrawler, is one of the most iconic members of the X-Men. And his portrayal by The Traitors’ Alan Cumming in X2: X-Men United is definitely one of that film’s best aspects. But despite shining to brightly in that film, Cumming did not return for any of the sequels. He cited hating the long makeup process as his reasons for swearing off a return. So it was a great shock to see his name announced as returning for Avengers: Doomsday after 22 years. So what convinced Cumming to come back? Via Variety, we learned that while appearing on Today With Jenna and Friends, he said the quicker makeup process convinced him he could return. Here’s what he had to say:

Isn’t it nuts? I’m excited and amazed. It’s been 23 years since I was a superhero. I’ve had some makeup tests already for the role, but what’s great about it was that before it was about four and a half hours to apply it, but now it’s only 90 minutes. Before, all of the tattoos were done by hand. They hadn’t decided on them before we started filming. Now, they just stick onto my face. It’s a game changer. I’m going back to being a 60-year-old superhero, and everyone seems really lovely.

Alan Cumming as the mutant teleporter Nightcrawler in X2: X-Men United.Twentieth Century Studios

As an openly LGBTQ actor, Cumming went viral last year after saying that X2 was “The gayest film he ever worked on his career.” He added “I love the fact that something so mainstream and so in the comic book world is so queer.” He’s not wrong, as the X-Men franchise, both in comics and other media, has a strong queer subtext, and a legion of LGBTQ fans. The films merely picked up what was already there from decades of comics and cartoons.

Also starring in Avengers: Doomsday from the classic X-Men movies is Kelsey Grammer as Beast, and Rebecca Romijn as Mystique. This means that for the first time, all the original blue mutants will be together in one film. Of course, as excited as we are for Alan Cumming’s return, we still feel disappointment that this X-Men reunion is so dude-heavy. It feels incomplete without Famke Janssen, Anna Paquin, and especially Halle Berry as Storm. Particularly because Nightcrawler and Storm had a special bond in X2. But as with all things Marvel, who knows what surprises are in store.

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Published on April 08, 2025 12:34

PREDATOR: KILLER OF KILLERS Trailer Shows the Animated Alien Hunter Across History

The Predator franchise came roaring back with the release of Prey on Hulu a few years back. And we’ll be getting another entry soon with the upcoming Predator: Badlands. But before that happens, the alien hunters will return in a new animated anthology movie, Predator: Killer of Killers. The director of Prey, Dan Trachtenberg, returns to direct this latest installment in the iconic sci-fi action series. His co-director is Josh Wassung from animation company The Third Floor. You can watch the first trailer for Predator: Killer of Killers, as well as read the official synopsis, down below:

The anthology story follows three of the fiercest warriors in human history: a Viking raider guiding her young son on a bloody quest for revenge, a ninja in feudal Japan who turns against his Samurai brother in a brutal battle for succession, and a WWII pilot who takes to the sky to investigate an otherworldly threat to the Allied cause. But while all these warriors are killers in their own right, they are merely prey for their new opponent – the ultimate killer of killers.

And here is the first look at the official poster for Predator: Killer of Killers as well:

PREDATOR: KILLER OF KILLERS Trailer Shows the Animated Alien Hunter Across History_1Hulu/Twentieth Century Studios

Having the Predator battle humans from different times in Earth’s history is a genius idea. We remain surprised that it took so long to come to fruition. One thing’s for sure when it comes to this series now. Between this film and Trachtenberg’s Prey, we now know the Predators have been hunting humans on Earth way before ever meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger out in the jungle back in the ’80s. With what’s happening with this series as well as Alien: Romulus and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Twentieth Century Studios has really given their iconic sci-fi franchises a new lease on life.

The bulked up Predator in the animated Predator: Killer of Killers anthology film. Hulu/Twentieth Century Studios

Predator: Killer of Killers premieres exclusively on Hulu on June 6 and, if its trailer is any indication, it will be a wild adventure.

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Published on April 08, 2025 12:03

LOVE, DEATH + ROBOTS Announces Season 4 Release Date, Shares Wild Trailer and Images 

Death comes for us all! But don’t worry. Netflix subscribers know that’s actually a good thing when it also comes with love and robots. Now we know exactly when all three are returning to the streaming site. Tim Miller and David Fincher’s hit animated anthology series announced its long-awaited season four premiere date with a trailer that promises plenty of Love, Death & Robots. There’s also dinosaurs and aliens!

Netflix has announced when Love, Death & Robots‘ highly anticipated “Volume F***” will debut in its trailer. The show returns to the streamer with ten new stories on May 15. That will end the longest hiatus between seasons since the series began in 2019. Season three debuted in 2022.

What can viewers expect after three years? Here’s season four’s official synopsis from Netflix.

Dinosaur gladiators, messianic cats, string-puppet rock stars, it can only be Love, Death & Robots. The fourth volume, presented by Tim Miller (Deadpool, Terminator: Dark Fate) and David Fincher (Mindhunter, The Killer), sees Jennifer Yuh Nelson (Kung Fu Panda 2, Kill Team Kill) return as supervising director for ten startling shorts showcasing the series’ signature, award-winning style of bleeding-edge animation, horror, sci-fi and humor. Buckle up.

They might actually mean “buckle up” literally considering this is about as wild a trailer for the show as we’ve ever seen. (Which is really saying something!) Tim Miller also did a pretty good selling the new season to returning viewers and newcomers alike when he spoke to Netflix’s Tudum. “I try to get a mix of horror, sci-fi, and fantasy,” he said. “And we work with some really f**king fantastic writers and artists.”

No lies detected. But if for some reason you don’t believe him Netflix also shared five first-look images from season four. They show off some of the different art styles and stories we’ll see this season.

Click To View Gallery A warrior woman in motion from Love, Death u0026 Robots Netflix A satanic demon monster roaring from Love, Death u0026 Robots Netflix A demon woman screaming with a weird animal on her shoulder from Love, Death u0026 Robots Netflix Aliens getting out of their saucer to meet humans in the desert from Love, Death u0026 Robots Netflix A smiling green robot with a weird cat behind it on Love, Death u0026 Robots Netflix

See? It’s fine when death comes for us, just so long as it show up with love and robots.

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Published on April 08, 2025 11:52

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