Chris Hardwick's Blog, page 127

Get a Bundle of DRAGONLANCE Books for a Dollar

Dungeons & Dragons makers, Wizards of the Coast, and Penguin Random House are partnering with Humble Bundles to offer a collection of Dragonlance fantasy novel e-books. The most interesting part? The partnership brings an exclusive pay-what-you-want deal for the bundle of books.

Wizards of the Coast

The bundle offers readers the chance to delve into 26 best-selling Dragonlance novels with three different price points that buyers can pick between. There is a base price for three different bundle tiers, but as aforementioned, you can opt to pay more. For a bundle of three books, the price starts at $1. For a bundle of seven books, the starting cost is $10. The complete bundle of 25 books begins at $18.

The description of the bundle is as follows:

Embark on an epic adventure through the land of Krynn with the ultimate Dragonlance Collection from Wizards of the Coast. Follow the perilous journey to protect the mystical Blue Crystal Staff from an evil dragon goddess in Dragons of Autumn Twilight. Untangle dwarven political tensions, hidden dangers, and long-lost secrets with The Companions in Dragons of the Dwarven Depths. The battle of the gods comes to a dramatic climax in Amber and Ashes. Get 25+ amazing page-turners and help support Room to Read with your purchase!

Wizards of the Coast

Dragonlance was a universe created by Laura and Tracy Hickman. Tracy and their writing partner, Margaret Weis, then expanded it into a fantasy novel series. Over 190 novels have used Dragonlance as their setting while also being a campaign setting in various editions of Dungeons & Dragons.

Humble Bundles is a platform that sells video games and books in collections, with a portion of the proceeds going to charity. The Dragonlance bundles will offer a portion of its proceeds to the non-profit Room to Read organization. Room to Read works on improving children’s literacy and girls’ education across Asia and Africa. To find out which books come in each bundle and more about Humble Bundles, check out their website.

The post Get a Bundle of DRAGONLANCE Books for a Dollar appeared first on Nerdist.

New THE TOXIC AVENGER Teaser Is Hilariously Gory in the Best Way

The remake of the Troma Films’ 1984 cult classic The Toxic Avenger is a movie we’ve been anticipating for a long time now. We finally got our first good look at the new Toxie recently, who has the amazing real name of Winston Gooze, played by the iconic Peter Dinklage. But now, we’ve got some actual footage, in the form of a new teaser trailer. The trailer begins as a kind of commercial for a fast food joint named Miss Meat. You can watch this very unhinged teaser for The Toxic Avenger right here, in all its hilariously radioactive glory. WARNING: GORE

This teaser gives us all the satirical vibes of Paul Verhoeven’s original Robocop. Especially the tongue-in-cheek parodies of commercials. And it gives us all the bloody violence of that movie too. The aesthetics of Miss Meat is that of a McDonald’s from the ’70s or ’80s. Although their choice of food offerings have far more R-rated names. When a group of terrorists attacks the Miss Meat establishment, our hero swoops in to save the day. With his glowing mop powered by industrial waste, he does some serious damage to one particular bad guy’s jaw.

Legendary Pictures

Written and directed by Macon Blair, The Toxic Avenger reinvents the cult classic from Lloyd Kaufman for the modern era. Aside from Peter Dinklage in the titular role, the rest of the cast includes Jacob Tremblay, Taylour Paige, Julia Davis, Jonny Coyne, Elijah Wood, and Kevin Bacon. As you may know, Kevin Bacon began his career in an over-the-top gorefest with the original Friday the 13th. So his starring in the new version of The Toxic Avenger is a full-circle moment for him. We can’t wait to see our boy Toxie turn some deserving bad guys into piles of sludge. The Toxic Avenger arrives in theaters on August 29.

Editor’s Note: Nerdist is a subsidiary of Legendary Digital Networks

.youtube-embed{padding-bottom:56.25%!important;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.youtube-embed a,.youtube-embed iframe{display:block;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute}.youtube-embed iframe{border:0}.youtube-embed img.youtube-cover{-o-object-fit:cover;object-fit:cover;height:100%;width:100%;cursor:pointer}.youtube-embed img.play-button{width:66px;position:absolute;left:46%;top:0;bottom:0;margin:auto;cursor:pointer}@media only screen and (max-width:499px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:45%;width:60px}}@media only screen and (max-width:425px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:44%;width:60px}}@media only screen and (max-width:375px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:43%;width:56px}}@media only screen and (max-width:345px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:42%;width:50px}}.youtube-embed .progressive-img{-webkit-filter:blur(10px);filter:blur(10px)}.youtube-embed .progressive-img.loaded{-webkit-filter:none;filter:none;-webkit-transition:-webkit-filter 1s ease-out;transition:-webkit-filter 1s ease-out;-o-transition:filter 1s ease-out;-moz-transition:filter 1s ease-out;transition:filter 1s ease-out;transition:filter 1s ease-out,-webkit-filter 1s ease-out}.youtube-embed .kskdDiv{display:none!important}

The post New THE TOXIC AVENGER Teaser Is Hilariously Gory in the Best Way appeared first on Nerdist.

Quests N’ Answers | Inside Sagas of Sundry: Goblin Mode Ep. 20

Welcome to Quests N’ Answers, the companion series to Sagas of Sundry: Goblin Mode! ***Spoilers ahead for episode 20***

Join Dan Casey and cast members Amy Vorpahl, Jason Nguyen, and Danielle Radford as they break down the biggest moments of Goblin Mode episode 20, “No Gods No Masters” and look back at season one. The final episode of the season was full of twists, turns, and a floor that was literally lava, so join as we dive deep into the Goblin Mode season finale!

You can also listen to Sagas of Sundry: Goblin Mode wherever you get your podcasts: https://lnk.to/goblinmodepod

Learn more and sign up for the Geek & Sundry newsletter at https://www.geekandsundry.com/!

Subscribe to Geek and Sundry: http://goo.gl/B62jl
Twitter: http://twitter.com/geekandsundry
Facebook: http://facebook.com/geekandsundry
Instagram: http://instagram.com/geekandsundry
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@geekandsundry

Sagas of Sundry: Goblin Mode is a Geek & Sundry production made in partnership with Realm.

Official camera partner: Fujifilm — Visit https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com for more!

#goblinmode #geekandsundry #rpg #ttrpg #sagasofsundry

The post Quests N’ Answers | Inside Sagas of Sundry: Goblin Mode Ep. 20 appeared first on Nerdist.

Why Comic Book Movies Need a Silver Age

Audiences don’t have “superhero fatigue,” but when it comes to comic book movies, something needs to change. Can Marvel’s Fantastic Four: The First Steps and DC’s Superman usher in a new era for superhero films? Join Nerdist’s senior editor Kyle Anderson as he explains why it’s time for comic book movies to enter their Silver Age.

Thanks again to Assassin’s Creed Shadows for sponsoring today’s show! Watch the launch trailer for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, available March 20th on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC – including Steam: https://ubi.li/0DHce

#Marvel #DC #Superman #FantasticFour #ComicBookMovies #AssassinsCreed #AssassinsCreedShadows #Sponsored

The post Why Comic Book Movies Need a Silver Age appeared first on Nerdist.

A POWER RANGERS Series at Disney+ Is in the Works

Those Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers are apparently getting a new series with a very popular streaming service. Yes, you read that right. According to The Wrap, Percy Jackson and the Olympians showrunners Jonathan E. Steinberg and Dan Shotz are in talks to write and produce a live-action Power Rangers series for Disney+. Hasbro will produce the series and the company hopes to capture a brand-new generation of fans. 

Hasbro

We’ve seen many different versions of the famed teenage heroes since the ‘90s TV show. Some of them are good and, well, others are not-so-great. But perhaps this will be the moment to strike gold with the Power Rangers once again. Percy Jackson is a great and quite successful series on Disney+ with a third season on the way. Steinberg and Shotz found a way to honor the source material while also bringing something fresh to the screen. Perhaps they can do that with the Power Rangers too. 

RELATED ARTICLE

The 7 Best POWER RANGERS Games of All-Time

Of course, having something in the works for a Disney+ Power Ranger series doesn’t mean that it will necessarily happen. There’s a long road to actually having a premiere on a streaming service. Many things that seem hopeful somehow find themselves getting that dreadful cancellation notice. But we are certainly keeping our eyes open for more news about this potential series.

The post A POWER RANGERS Series at Disney+ Is in the Works appeared first on Nerdist.

No Gods No Masters | Sagas of Sundry: Goblin Mode | Episode 20

Deep inside an active volcano on the verge of eruption, the Terror Squad must face their greatest nemesis yet: the so-called “heroes” that destroyed their home way back in episode 1! It’s a battle for the fate of the world as they know it in the season finale of Goblin Mode. Who will win? Who will die? Will Tippy’s artificer abilities drive Amy insane? Only time will tell on a brand-new episode of Goblln Mode!

Goblin Mode is also available wherever you get your podcasts: https://lnk.to/goblinmodepod

Learn more and sign up for the Geek & Sundry newsletter at https://www.geekandsundry.com/!

Subscribe to Geek and Sundry: http://goo.gl/B62jl
Twitter: http://twitter.com/geekandsundry
Facebook: http://facebook.com/geekandsundry
Instagram: http://instagram.com/geekandsundry
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@geekandsundry

Sagas of Sundry: Goblin Mode is a Geek & Sundry production made in partnership with Realm.

Official camera partner: Fujifilm — Visit https://shopusa.fujifilm-x.com for more!

#goblinmode #geekandsundry #rpg #ttrpg #sagasofsundry

The post No Gods No Masters | Sagas of Sundry: Goblin Mode | Episode 20 appeared first on Nerdist.

SNOW WHITE Is More of a Deep Slumber Than a Resounding Success

Disney’s new live-action version of Snow White does not add much to the classic tale. It hits all the essential beats. However, despite some of the cast’s admirable attempts to add emotional depth, this film is repeatedly doused with flat camp when others appear on screen.  Some acting is borderline cringe… like the kind where you laugh in shock at it. Because of this, Snow White winds up in an unintentional tonal power struggle. With an uneven combination of forgettable music, bland choreography, and few genuine laughs, Snow White fails to find and maintain its footing.

Directed by Marc Webb with a screenplay by Erin Cressida Wilson, this movie—like other Disney live-action flicks—means to capitalize on the love for a classic animated film in a new format. It stars Rachel Zegler as the titular character who ends up in the sights of her stepmother the Evil Queen, played by Wonder Woman herself Gal Gadot. She goes on the run and finds unlikely allies in a group of dwarves, creatures in nature, and a team of thieves led by Jonathan (Andrew Burnap), their charming captain.

Snow White‘s First Act Has a Rough Start

The film’s struggles are there from the beginning, the outset, with a narration of Snow White’s formative years that drags far too long. It feels wholly unnecessary considering there are scenes that capture her family and their relationship with their people. It is often better to show how rather than tell. While the narration is understandable once you reach the end, there were other ways to drive home a specific point. Snow White flounders immediately and, despite attempts to correct its course, this movie barely treads water between submersions. 

Beware the One Rotten Apple in the Bunch

There are few misses when it comes to Snow White‘s casting. Rachel Zegler and Andrew Burnap do their best and bring plenty of range to their characters, thanks to their expressive faces. Unfortunately, although you logically understand the film’s stakes, it’s hard to feel drawn in emotionally. The rest of Snow White‘s aspects are lacking to the point that you’re thinking, “It’s not that serious,” as you watch them fight back tears. 

Perhaps that’s because Gal Gadot is terribly miscast as the Evil Queen. Because of how she conveys the character, the Evil Queen doesn’t feel threatening despite her magic abilities. Each time she speaks, it rings hollow. Honestly, Sigourney Weaver could’ve come back and got it done. Snow White simply does not have a villain who raises the bar in terms of conflict. This version feels less dire than its predecessor, whose villain felt far more dangerous.

RELATED ARTICLE

Make SNOW WHITE’s Cottage Your Home With This LEGO SetSnow White‘s Music Goes in One Ear and Out the Other

For the live-action classic tale, too few songs have a resonating impact. Rachel Zegler belts her heart out. Still, the lyrics don’t catch hold of viewers. There are few bops for sure. The Evil Queen’s songs are memorable, but only because they are awful. Many songs tease a momentary spark, catching the audience’s attention, but then fizzle out before they become a flame. The only song I remember, or rather verse, is “Whistle while you work,” as it existed before this version. 

Alongside the music are some of the most stilted, opaque attempts at evil regality in choreography.  Anyone with sense wouldn’t fear this queen. It’s like watching someone play fierce when they are little more than a tragic bully—a Karen. As such, it comes off as laughable, not worrisome or scary.

The Film Is Too Mature for Kids, Yet Too Hollow for Adults

Too often, watching the character interactions and listening to the dialogue raises the question of who this movie is for. There are antics meant to appeal to a young audience. However, some of the dialogue, like Doc’s, makes it clear that the film is also attempting to woo adults. Yet, the laughs are few and far between. I can appreciate the effort while simultaneously shaking my head at how it falls flat. There’s nothing that makes the comedic ventures feel distinct for this movie.  

DisneySnow White Looks Okay at a Glance, But Don’t Look Too Hard

Visually, the animals inspire “awws” and the seven dwarves are discernibly different, but the background is something different. In some scenes, the more you look at the background, the more you notice that things that look off.

While Snow White’s more profound message of unity is essential, it gets lost in its many flaws as well as its casting choices. Sadly, it is a rather hollow film with a few pleasing elements. There is little that sets this movie apart from or raises it above other Disney flicks. Snow White may not be bottom-of-the-barrel, but it does not escape the barrel either. 

Snow White will hit theaters on March 21.

Snow White ⭐ (2 of 5)

.youtube-embed{padding-bottom:56.25%!important;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.youtube-embed a,.youtube-embed iframe{display:block;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute}.youtube-embed iframe{border:0}.youtube-embed img.youtube-cover{-o-object-fit:cover;object-fit:cover;height:100%;width:100%;cursor:pointer}.youtube-embed img.play-button{width:66px;position:absolute;left:46%;top:0;bottom:0;margin:auto;cursor:pointer}@media only screen and (max-width:499px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:45%;width:60px}}@media only screen and (max-width:425px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:44%;width:60px}}@media only screen and (max-width:375px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:43%;width:56px}}@media only screen and (max-width:345px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:42%;width:50px}}.youtube-embed .progressive-img{-webkit-filter:blur(10px);filter:blur(10px)}.youtube-embed .progressive-img.loaded{-webkit-filter:none;filter:none;-webkit-transition:-webkit-filter 1s ease-out;transition:-webkit-filter 1s ease-out;-o-transition:filter 1s ease-out;-moz-transition:filter 1s ease-out;transition:filter 1s ease-out;transition:filter 1s ease-out,-webkit-filter 1s ease-out}.youtube-embed .kskdDiv{display:none!important}

The post SNOW WHITE Is More of a Deep Slumber Than a Resounding Success appeared first on Nerdist.

Sarah Michelle Gellar Says BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER Reboot Is Moving Quicker Than Expected

For a long time, Sarah Michelle Gellar has denied any desire to return to her role as “The Chosen One,” Buffy Anne Summers. But recently, Gellar said she might be interested, thanks to the success of legacy sequels like Dexter: Original Sin, in which she stars. Now, it’s official — Buffy the Vampire Slayer is coming back to stake the undead, in a new sequel series reboot from Hulu. Via Variety, we’ve learned that the pilot has an official order from Nora Zuckerman and Lila Zuckerman. The former Poker Face showrunners will write, show run, and executive produce. Oscar winner Chloé Zhao is attached to direct and executive produce the Buffy reboot. However, that’s likely just for the pilot episode.

Gellar continues to give updates about the Buffy reboot, saying that things are moving forward nicely. “We’ve set up our offices, which means things are progressing probably faster than I’d anticipated,” Gellar told People. “But it’s going to be a process, I think… to do it the way it needs to be done, everyone has to be patient with all of us, because this isn’t something that [will just happen].” 

The Buffy the Vampire Slayer Reboot Sequel Series Will Focus on a New Slayer

Although the series will still use the title Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the Buffy sequel series will focus on a new Slayer. Gellar will appear in a recurring role rather than leading this reboot series. The original Buffy the Vampire Slayer series finale in 2003 ended with girls all over the world activating their Slayer powers. So there will now be a generation of Slayers who might need Buffy Summers, the Prime Slayer, as their mentor. We can easily see that as the premise of this Buffy the Vampire slayer reboot sequel series. We’ll just have to wait and see to know for sure, though.

Twentieth Century Television But Sarah Michelle Gellar Will Absolutely Return as Buffy Summers

Although she may not be the main character anymore, Sarah Michelle Gellar will always be the main character in the hearts of Buffy fans. And we’re so glad that Gellar will return as Buffy Summers in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot sequel series. We couldn’t have done it without her. Sarah Michelle Gellar recently spoke out on her Instagram about returning as the iconic character. Here message was both heartfelt and gorgeous, focusing on how right this reboot is for Gellar, Buffy fans, and the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer as a whole.

The moving text of Gellar’s response to the news of Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s return is below.

So….. you might have heard some news this week, but I realize you haven’t heard from me.

Three years ago, I got a call from my dear friend and mentor, Gail Berman. She told me that she wanted me to sit down with Chloé Zhao to hear her take on a potential “Buffy” revival. I was blown away that Chloé even knew who I was, but, as I’ve always done, I told Gail that I just didn’t see a way for the show to exist again. We’d always been aligned on that, but this time I heard something different in her voice. I eventually agreed to go (mainly just to meet Chloé) and our twenty minute coffee quickly turned into a four hour adventure. We laughed, we cried, but mostly we both talked about how much this show means to us.

While I didn’t agree to anything at that meeting, I did shock myself by agreeing to continue the conversation. These conversations did, in fact, continue over the next few years and eventually we added the incredible Nora and Lilla Zuckerman to our little tribe until ultimately, one day, we landed on an idea.

I have always listened to the fans and heard your desire to revisit “Buffy” and her world, but it was not something I could do unless I was sure we would get it right. This has been a long process, and it’s not over yet. I promise you, we will only make this show if we know we can do it right. And I will tell you that we are on the path there.

I feel so lucky to be on this journey with these four unbelievably talented women, all of whom love “Buffy” as much as I do. And as much as you do. Thank you to all the fans who never stopped asking for this. This will be for you.

More About the Buffy the Vampire Slayer Sequel Reboot

One name you’ll notice not attached is that of original Buffy creator and showrunner Joss Whedon. Once upon a time, the notion of a Whedon-less Buffy series without its creative voice would have been blasphemous. But in the last few years, Whedon’s name has become toxic. Several of his former Buffy cast, as well as several Justice League cast members, have accused him of running an unpleasant set to say the least. Regardless, as the series creator, he’ll probably cash some form of check for the series even if he has no creative involvement anymore. Additionally, except for Sarah Michelle Gellar’s exciting return, we have no confirmation about other former cast members or writers coming on board for the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot sequel series. But we expect a lot more news on this one in the months ahead.

REad Next

The BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER Characters We Want to See Most in Hulu’s Reboot Series

Originally published on February 3, 2025.

The post Sarah Michelle Gellar Says BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER Reboot Is Moving Quicker Than Expected appeared first on Nerdist.

THE BOYS Spinoff VOUGHT RISING Announces Two New Cast Members

During San Diego Comic-Con 2024, we got some exciting information about the future of The Boys universe. While the flagship show is ending with a fifth and final season, there’s a new spinoff series on the horizon. Vought Rising is a prequel series that will take us to The Boys universe during the 1950s with Soldier Boy and Stormfront. Since then, the only casting we’ve only known about is Jensen Ackles and Aya Cash, who are both reprising the aforementioned  supes. Now, we know that Elizabeth Posey (Euphoria) and Will Hochman (Blue Bloods) will join the Vought Rising cast. 

Details about both characters are currently under wraps. They could be portraying founding members or 50s-era employees at Vought International. It isn’t impossible that Hochman could be related to or have a connection with Frederick Vought, who founded Vought International shortly after WWII. Or maybe they are more supes who will cause problems as Compound V takes off. 

RELATED ARTICLE

A New THE BOYS Prequel Spinoff, VOUGHT RISING, Will Star Soldier Boy and Stormfront

Here’s a little more about Vought Rising to bring things into context: 

“It’s a twisted murder mystery about the origins of Vought in the 1950s, the early exploits of Soldier Boy, and the diabolical maneuvers of a Supe known to fans as Stormfront, who was then going by the name Clara Vought,” said Eric Kripke and The Boys series executive producer Paul Grellong, who will be the executive producer and showrunner for Vought Rising. “We cannot wait to blow your minds and trouble your souls with this salacious, grisly saga drenched in blood and Compound V.”

Prime Video

Right now, there’s no word on when Vought Rising will hit Prime Video. But with new casting, it seems to be taking shape and moving closer to production. In the meantime, we are patiently waiting for more Gen V, which is set to start its sophomore year sometime in 2025.

The post THE BOYS Spinoff VOUGHT RISING Announces Two New Cast Members appeared first on Nerdist.

Darren Aronofsky May Remake Stephen King’s CUJO for Netflix

Cujo, the vicious St. Bernard who terrified both ’80s kids and adults alike, is getting another shot at cinematic success. This time, from one of the unlikeliest of directors. According to a report from Deadline, it appears that Cujo, based on the novel by Stephen King about a rampaging killer dog, is getting a remake for Netflix. And the person behind the camera is none other than Black Swan and The Whale director Darren Aronofsky. The original Cujo novel came out in 1981, during the peak of Stephen King’s popularity, and made into a movie in 1983.

Warner Bros.

In the original Cujo novel and film, a St. Bernard in a small town is bitten by a rabid bat. It soon becomes a killer beast, terrorizing the locals. Somehow, King managed to write a whole novel around this premise and make it pretty good. Although he did admit years later he wrote the entire book in a cocaine binge in a single night. The master of horror has said in past interviews that he doesn’t even remember writing it. (It was a different time, folks.) A movie adaptation of Cujo came out in 1983, starring Dee Wallace from E.T. and The Howling. It was popular enough that for years, every dog owner scolded their badly behaved canine by calling them “Cujo.”

Cujo was one of two Stephen King adaptations to come out in 1983, along with John Carpenter’s Christine. The new Darren Aronofsky version will follow several recent cinematic remakes of Stephen King novels, like Carrie, Pet Sematary, and most recently, Salem’s Lot. None of them approached anything close to the cultural significance of their original versions, however. But with someone like Aronofsky at the helm, maybe Cujo will be the rare King remake that surpasses the original. And it almost certainly won’t be run-of-the-mill.

The post Darren Aronofsky May Remake Stephen King’s CUJO for Netflix appeared first on Nerdist.