Chris Hardwick's Blog, page 187

December 9, 2024

New STAR TREK: SECTION 31 Trailer Shows Off a Glamourously Unscrupulous Michelle Yeoh

Iconic actress and Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh is currently lighting up cinema screens as the shady Madame Morrible in Wicked. But early next year, she returns as another shady character she made famous, former Empress Phillipa Georgiou in the Paramount+ film, Star Trek: Section 31. Originally planned as a new Star Trek series, Paramount reimagined the project as a film last year. It focuses on Yeoh’s duplicitous yet charming character introduced in Star Trek: Discovery. The Section 31 movie debuts on January 24, and you can see the latest trailer for it right here:

So what can we glean from this newest trailer? Well, for starters, it seems much of the action takes place on a luxurious casino planet. (Or perhaps it’s a space station, it’s unclear). It reminds us of Canto Bight, the luxury gambling world from The Last Jedi. Longtime Star Trek fans will instantly notice an alien species not seen since 1969, the Cheron. Star Trek introduced this species, who are black on one side and white on the other, in the TOS episode “Let That Be Your Last Battlefield.” Star Trek fans thought they were extinct, but at least once survived, and is living in the Alpha Quadrant.

Michelle Yeoh as the duplicitous Empress Phillipa Georgiou in Star Trek: Section 31.

Paramount+

The titular Section 31 refers to Starfleet’s ultra-secret black ops division. Star Trek first introduced them in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as a kind of galactic urban legend. Later, in prequel series like Enterprise and Discovery, we learned Section 31 operated secretly for centuries within the Federation. Although originally hailing from the dark alternate Mirror Universe, Yeoh’s character found a home within the secretive organization in the Prime Universe. We’re still not sure what Section 31’s mission is in the upcoming movie. But whatever morally ambiguous things Georgiou is doing to achieve her goals may be, she certainly seems to be enjoying them.

Star Trek: Section 31 hits Paramount+ on January 24, 2025.

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Published on December 09, 2024 13:37

SEVERANCE Season 2 Trailer Is Here, and Good News! It’s Still Weird

The first season of Apple TV+’s superbly strange series Severance ended on one mother of a cliffhanger. The innies were out and discovered some startling new information. Mark S. (Adam Scott) desperately attempted to reveal the truth to his outie’s sister before the plug was pulled. And that was April 2022. We’ve had nigh-on three years to wait to see what would happen next. Season two will finally begin January 17, 2025 and extra finally, we have a new trailer. Rest easy, lest ye worry about such things, it still looks weird.

If you thought things would be hunky dory, or even nominally bad, for the four Lumon employees, you thought wrong. Not only are they still working for the company, still under the sinister watch of Mr. Milchick, they’ve become famous. Naturally you’d think at least Mark S. would want to leave, but the knowledge that Ms. Casey (Dichen Lachman) is his outie’s believed-dead wife Gemma means he can’t just run away. Oh dear, what’s a severed to do?

The nightmare scenario of not controlling your own life, or even knowing what happens for half of it, seems all the more terrifying in the trailer. But what makes me even more nervous/excited is the apparently knowledge that we’ll see what the hell was up with the damn goats! Why goats, man?! Few shows make me this unsettled, in the best way, and the fact that it’s funny, too, is just icing on the cake.

Mark S. (Adam Scott) walks down the long hallway of Lumon with a bunch of balloons with his own face on them in the season 2 trailer for Severance.

Apple TV+

We’re so frigging in! Can’t wait for the new season to start. At least we’ll have one thing to look forward to in the horrible month of January.

Severance season two premieres January 17, 2025, on Apple TV+. Subscription required, you fool.

Kyle Anderson is the Senior Editor for Nerdist. He hosts the weekly pop culture deep-dive podcast Laser Focus. You can find his film and TV reviews here. Follow him on Instagram and Letterboxd.

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Published on December 09, 2024 13:08

BALLERINA Featurette Shows Ana de Armas in Action, Keanu Reeves Return as John Wick, and More

The world of John Wick continues to expand with Ballerina, a film starring Ana de Armas that will hit theaters next June. The cast and crew of Ballerina made a special appearance at CCXP last weekend and we got the gift of a featurette that takes us behind the scenes. In it we get some incredible footage of its action, which is not shocking considering this world as a whole. The John Wick franchise is literally the personification of action.

Speaking of the Baba Yaga, we get to see a peek of Keanu Reeves reprising his role as John Wick in Ballerina. And he’s not the only familiar face, of course. We also see other established stars of this universe like Ian McShane, who plays the infamous Winston, and the late and great Lance Reddick, who played Charon. This film will mark one of his final appearances and he will certainly be missed.

image of keanu reeves as john wick in ballerina featurette

Lionsgate

We also get to see some Ballerina featurette commentary from The Walking Dead star Norman Reedus, whose character details are still mostly under wraps outside of Daniel Pine being a mysterious guy. We’ve seen him in action as Daryl Dixon for years, so we know this type of role is right up his alley.

Ballerina hits theaters on June 6, 2025.

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Published on December 09, 2024 12:44

DUNE: PROPHECY Episode 4 ‘Twice Born’ Recap—Tangled Webs, Shape-Shifting, and Resurrections

Dune: Prophecy episode four delivered quite possibly its best episode yet, giving us an episode intently focused on the shadowy webs of politics woven across the Imperium by the Great Houses, the Sisterhood, and other factions. There were many twists and turns, some truly horrifying moments, and yet again, a huge ending twists that we’ll break down. Here’s our recap of Dune: Prophecy episode four, “Twice Born.”

[image error]Dune: Prophecy Episode 4 Delivers Some Major Political Machinations as Many Players Collide

After an episode of flashbacks that recapped the past of the Harkonnen sisters, we return to present day in Dune: Prophecy episode four, “Twice Born.”

Valya Harkonnen dune prophecy episode four harrow harkonnen and valya

Max

Valya Harkonnen has been ousted from the Emporer’s court (and his good graces) thanks to Desmond Hart. But you can’t count Valya out. Down but not defeated, Valya sets up a new ruse with the help of the Sisterhood. She intends to enact a rebel attack on Emperor Corrino when he speaks at the upcoming Landsraad (or high council of the Imperium). Knowing, of course, it is coming, Valya will be there to stop the attack, unmask a rebel spy in the palace (Keiran Atreides), and overall save the day—forcing the Emporer to bow to the Sisterhood once more.

To get into the Landsraad after her disgrace, Valya Harkonnen makes good use of the grasping nature of all her contemporaries in Dune: Prophecy episode four. She manipulates all the other houses into believing that they must bring an inquiry against House Corrino in order to check the strength of the Emperor after the death of Pruewt Richese. This is a foolish thing to do, as it could bring the Emperor’s wrath down on them. But Valya and the sisters induce the other Houses to finally invite House Harkonnen to the council in order to have a patsy do it for them. She convinces her grasping nephew, Harrow Harkonnen, that this will bring glory to the house. And all of them fall into line. Valya names herself House Harkonnen’s truthsayer, and thus gains access to the Landsraad.

Princess Ynez and the Rebellion dune prophecy episode four princess ynez and kieran atreides

Max

Princess Ynez, meanwhile, truly believes that her father has done a great wrong in allowing Desmond Hart into his confidences. She decides to speak against him at the Landsraad. The evening before, she seeks comfort in Keiran Atreides, not knowing that the rebellion is planning on setting a bomb off during the Landsraad that they imagine will incite great revolution and drag the Imperium back into the hands of the people.

As a note: we seem to learn in Dune: Prophecy episode four that Keiran Atreides is the son of the boy Tula did not kill during her massacre in episode three.

Desmond Hart, Emporer Corinno, and Empress Natalya Corinno An intense Desmond Hart on Dune: Prophecy

HBO

Although Emporer Corinno wants to be conservative in using the new powers at his disposal, thanks to Desmond Hart, Empress Natalya Corinno has other plans. She leaked the rumors that Desmond Hart had killed Pruewt Richese so that all would know what might befall them if they stepped out of line, and especially if they used thinking machines. In Dune: Prophecy episode four, “Twice Born,” Empress Natalya Corinno, it seems is ready for her husband to assume complete power.

What Happened at the Landsraad During Dune: Prophecy Episode 4? dune prophecy episode four recap desmond hart performing

Max

During the Landsraad, all the power players converged in one place. But, alas, very little went to plan. In the end, Desmond Hart knew about the rebel’s plan to blow up a bomb in the Landsraad, and he was the one who seemingly prevented it from happening. Valya Harkonnen never even got the chance to prevent a bomb from exploding, ending her plan to “save the emperor.” Desmond Hart also took the time to terrorize the Great Houses gathered, purportedly for their uses of thinking machines. Desmond burns many of the nobles for this crime, but in truth, it feels that he really does it to cement the Emporer’s absolute power.

Valya doesn’t get much out of this endeavor in Dune: Prophecy episode four, but she does get some of Desmond Hart’s blood, which she intends to use to figure out his genetic history and true identity.

It’s worth noting that Harrow Harkonnen did accuse House Corinno of killing Pruewt Richese in “Twice Born,” and Princess Ynez appeared to back him up. It was Ynez’s appearance that delayed Kieran Atreides’ from setting off the bomb in the palace. Desmond Hart didn’t burn any of these characters, so we’ll have to wait and see what happens to them.

Dune: Prophecy Turns Horror Series as Prophetic Nightmares Engulf The Sisterhood An intense Desmond Hart on Dune: Prophecy

HBO

Meanwhile, back at the Sisterhood, nightmares are taking over. All the Sisterhood acolytes share the same powerfully prophetic and chilling set of dreams. When Tula tries to walk them through the nightmare to understand more about it, the sisters end up almost possessed by the dream. In it, much like the prophecies we’ve seen so far in Dune: Prophecy sand and sandworms, a.k.a Shai-Hulud, play a mysterious role, as do the unexplained spacecraft lights which seem to haunt the end of every vision of doom. There also seems to be an elemental violence to the prophecies; they hurt the sisters and almost induce one to kill herself.

Later, Tula herself suffers from a prophetic nightmare dream as well; in it, she dreams all her secrets will be exposed, including the death of Dorotea and her massacre of the Atreides family. When she awakens, she discovers something less dark: that Lila has awakened from her coma, healed by Spice. But is Sister Lila the same as she once was? And is Tula correct that she is key to the reckoning they’re all facing? Only more episodes of Dune: Prophecy will tell.

That Dune: Prophecy Episode 4 Ending, Explained "Griffin Harkonnen" begining to shift back into Sister Theodosia on Dune: Prophecy

HBO

Dune: Prophecy episode four ends with a bang. We discover Sister Theodosia has mysterious shapeshifting powers that we had no idea about before this moment. Theo turns into Valya Harkonnen’s dead brother Griffin and agrees to do whatever it is needs to be done. Uh oh… But where did Theo get these powers from, and what does Dune lore tell us about them? We get more into Dune‘s Face Dancers and Theo’s connection to them, in our full breakdown, here.

A shape-shifting Face Dancer in themiddle of switching their looks on Dune: Prophecy

HBO

Join us next week as we recap Dune: Prophecy episode four. Dune: Prophecy airs Sundays on Max.

Check out: our Dune: Prophecy Episode One Recap, Dune: Prophecy Episode Two Recap, Dune: Prophecy Episode Three.

All Dune: Prophecy recaps can be found here.

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

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Published on December 09, 2024 12:32

DUNE: PROPHECY Episode 4’s Strange Ending, Explained—Shape-Shifting, Face Dancers, and More

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Dune: Prophecy‘s fourth episode was full of political and familial intrigue, moves and countermoves, and Desmond Hart murdering people with his mind once more. But the episode’s most shocking moment came at the end, after an angry Valya Harkonnen let her uncle die. She turned to find her long-dead brother Griffin standing in the room. Only it was no vision or ghost she embraced. It was a real person: Sister Theodosia. How did Theo physically transform into a totally different person? For these Dune: Prophecy answers, we need to look at the Known Universe’s shape-shifters, also known as Face Dancers…even though they won’t make their presence felt in Dune for another 10,000 years.

Are There Shape-Shifters in Dune? The Face Dancer, Explained jade anouka as sister theodosia in Dune Prophecy 2 (1)

Max

Frank Herbert introduced shape-shifters to Dune in his second novel Dune Messiah. Known as Face Dancers, they are a “sterile race of metamorphic transhumans” created by the Bene Tleilax, an elitist race of people who specialize in bioengineering.

The Tleilax make their genetically-enhanced Face Dancers in their secret Axlotl tanks. Those are the same machines that can also make a type of clone (gholas) from the cells of a human cadaver, another important technology in Dune lore that could be explored in future adaptations.

Dune: Prophecy showed where Dune‘s Face Dancers get their name. When they physically change into another human their face appears to be “dancing.” They can do that thanks to additional muscles and nerves normal humans don’t have. These Dune shapeshifters also rely on advanced training that gives them control over their body. Face Dancers can also perfectly mimic voices as well.

HBO

The transformation of the Face Dancers is far more than just physical, though. They’re also highly skilled at understanding human psyches and can accurately capture and portray the personality of those they copy. That ability to totally inhibit another makes them highly valuable for spying, infiltration, and killing. Only Reverend Mothers of the Bene Gesserit could identify Face Dancers via their highly attuned observational skills.

Who Are the Bene Tleilaxu of Dune? Close-up of Thea's eye on Dune: Prophecy

HBO

The devoutly religious isolationists who lived on the planet Tleilax were a secretive group. For thousands of years no one ever encountered a female member of the race. The Tleilax had been around for many years, existing on the fringes of the Imperium outside the Empire. They became major figures in the Known Universe starting with the reign of Emperor Paul Atreides. (For those hoping to avoid spoilers for a potential Dune Messiah adaptation from Denis Villeneuve, we won’t go into their future story.)

In many ways, the chauvinistic, spiritual Bene Tleilaxu stand as the opposite side of the same coin as the science-based women of the Bene Gesserit. Unlike the Sisterhood, though, the rest of the universe found the Tleilaxu repulsive for their manipulation of the human body.

Only, none of that should matter until 10,000 years after the setting of HBO’s series.

Did Face Dancers Exist During the Time of Dune: Prophecy?

There’s nothing from official Dune lore, either Frank Herbert’s own works or his son’s expansion of the franchise, that indicates the shapeshifting Face Dancers existed ten thousand years before the birth of Paul Atreides. But people did live on the planet Tleilax, then called Tlulaxa, during the Butlerian Jihad that freed humanity from the Thinking Machines. And during that battle one of the things the “flesh merchants” of Tlulaxa did was grow and sell body parts to doctors, a forerunner to the technology the Bene Tleilax would employ millennia later.

A person pretending to be Griffin Harkonnen standing in a doorway on Dune: Prophecy, Theodosia's shape-shifting powers are related to Dune's Face Dancers created by the Bene Tleilax

HBO

Is it possible the highly secretive civilization was also covertly creating early versions of shape-shifters that long ago? Yes, it is possible, even if it might seem improbable. A ten thousand-year gap between the first Face Dancers and the ones who emerge in Dune Messiah isn’t that hard to accept. The Known Universe won’t change much over all that time thanks to spice and the covert work of the Bene Gesserit, a group who measures its own plans in centuries and longer. It’s not impossible another group with strong convictions also made plans designed to unfold over a large swath of time.

With Dune: Prophecy exploring/creating its own lore, we can only speculate over Theo’s story, but the show did give us some insight into her past.

Why Did Theo Shape-Shift Into Griffin Harkonnen on Dune: Prophecy?

HBO

Theo has never wanted to talk about her past or where she comes from. In episode four, she also said she had one rule for joining the Sisterhood. No one was ever supposed to ask her to use her secret ability. We now know that Theo’s secret Dune: Prophecy power is shape-shifting. A desperate Reverend Mother Superior Valya brought Theo with her to Salusa Secundus to ask Theo to do the only thing Theodosia said she wouldn’t.

After learning who Griffin is and how Valya still holds on to her late brother’s memory, Sister Theodosia transformed into the dead Harkonnen. Valya, who, more than anyone alive, would know what was happening in that moment, still succumbed to Thea’s transformation. Valya’s emotional, raw reaction captured the true power of Face Dancers, even a seemingly early version of the group like Theo.

A shocked Valya looks at her dead brother Griffin on Dune: Prophecy, Theodosia's shape-shifting powers are related to Dune's Face Dancers created by the Bene Tleilax

HBO

Seeing the Mother Superior’s reaction helped Theo understand the kind of sacrifice Valya had made in returning to the family that ostracized her. By becoming Griffin, she was able to recognize Valya isn’t asking anything of her that Valya isn’t willing to do it herself. Now Theo, secret Face Dancer, is seemingly willing to put “Sisterhood above all.” She knows what she must do now, even though that means doing the one thing she never wanted to.

What will that mean for Valya and Theo? The Sisterhood and the Imperium? Desmond Hart and the Emperor? Those are just questions for Dune: Prophecy. Considering what we know will happen 10,000 years later we also are left to wonder how Theo’s emergence will influence the Bene Tleilax for generations to come.

Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist and definitely not a Face Dancer, no need to check. You can follow him on Bluesky at @burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.

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Published on December 09, 2024 12:24

December 7, 2024

THE WHEEL OF TIME Season 3 Trailer Has a Lot of Screaming

The Wheel of Time season two ended on a dramatic note—as you would expect from a story about a battle between Light and Dark. The Prime Video TV series adapted from Robert Jordan’s fantasy book series of the same name wrapped last season with a clash in Falme. Then Moiraine declared to the world that Rand al’ Thor is the Dragon Reborn. As you might imagine, that’s going to have an impact in season three. And now, we know more about what’s ahead. At CCXP24 in Brazil on Saturday, Prime Video revealed an intense trailer for The Wheel of Time season three, as well as the premiere date. First, let’s watch.

Whew. I mean, when the trailer opens with a look at Rhuidean, you know it’s going to be a ride. We catch glimpses of threats and drama all around. There’s the Black Ajah, the Forsaken, maybe Rand grappling with maintaining his sanity while channeling. But the overarching narrative of the trailer is about Moiraine and Rand. The Aes Sedai believes she must die in order for Rand to live and save the world from the Dark One.

Rand carrying Moiraine in front of a field of spears in the key art for The Wheel of Time season three

Prime Video

Here’s what Prime Video shared about The Wheel of Time season three:

At the end of Season Two, after defeating Ishamael, Rand reunites with his friends at Falme and is declared the Dragon Reborn. But in Season Three, the threats against the Light are multiplying: the White Tower stands divided, the Black Ajah run free, old enemies return to the Two Rivers, and the remaining Forsaken are in hot pursuit of the Dragon… including Lanfear, whose relationship with Rand will mark a crucial choice between Light and Dark for them both. As the ties to his past begin to unravel, and his corrupted power grows stronger, Rand becomes increasingly unrecognizable to his closest allies, Moiraine and Egwene. These powerful women, who started the series as teacher and student, must now work together to prevent the Dragon from turning to the Dark…no matter the cost.

March cannot come soon enough. We’re excited. We’re scared. We can’t wait. In the meantime, we’ll consider rewatching The Wheel of Time so far.

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Published on December 07, 2024 15:17

Columbia Goes to the Dark Side with Darth Vader Jacket Collection

When Darth Vader arrived on Hoth, cape dramatically sweeping through Echo Base, he didn’t seem like he felt the cold. Under the layers of armor and machinery, he’s probably fine. But the rest of us? We need protection from those bitter temperatures. Fortunately Columbia Sportswear has just the thing. Their latest Star Wars release is their largest ever, and it focuses on none other than Darth Vader. The streetwear-inspired looks in the collection take inspiration from Darth Vader’s black ensemble. The design blends matte and shiny textures along with impeccable details that scream Sith. We especially like the toasty outwear.

Three people wearing black Columbia Star Wars Darth Vader jackets against a red background

Columbia Sportswear

Pictured above are some of the gems of Columbia’s Darth Vader collection. These include a few styles of jackets:

Vader™ Parka (MSRP $350) – A special-edition parka inspired by Darth Vader and built to master the elements with an Omni-Tech™ waterproof-breathable shell and warm custom red and black Omni-Heat™ Infinity lining.Vader™ 3L Interchange Jacket (MSRP $600) – A special-edition 3-in-1 jacket inspired by Darth Vader and built to master the elements with a durable triple-layer waterproof-breathable shell and inner down layer that can be worn separately or together. Star Wars-inspired features include a custom red and black Omni-Heat™ Infinity lining, graphic print inspired by Vader’s home planet of Mustafar, messages in Aurebesh, lightsaber™ zipper pulls, reflective detailing, and construction inspired by Vader’s helmet, armor, and chest plate.Vader™ Convertible Jacket (MSRP $225) – Embrace the power of the dark side with this 2-in-1 designed with removable sleeves so it can be worn as a jacket or vest. Available in extended sizes.

You might not need jackets like that to stay warm on Mustafar, but it’s best to be prepared when you’re traveling the galaxy. And even if you or the Star Wars fan on your shopping list doesn’t have a trip to an ice planet in the future, this collection includes a variety of options. Other items include a cozy blanket, Vader boots, a water bottle, socks, t-shirts, hoodies, and a bucket hat. The below image shows off all the options. Be sure to flip through the gallery to note some of the details in the collection. Items have hidden Aurebesh, nods to Vader’s castle on Mustafar, and more.

Click To View Gallery Overview of Columbia Sportswear's Darth Vader collection

Columbia Sportswear [image error] Columbia Sportswear [image error] Columbia Sportswear [image error] Columbia Sportswear

The 16-piece Darth Vader collection is available now at Columbia’s website. Stay warm and may the (dark side) of the Force be with you.

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Published on December 07, 2024 14:05

December 6, 2024

Ranking the Non-Bruce Wayne Batmans, From Worst to Best

While Bruce Wayne may always be “Batman Prime,” in the DC Universe, several other people have taken on the mantle of the Bat. Some filled Bruce’s boots excellently, while others were, shall we say, less than worthy of the title. We rank the Batmans who were not Bruce Wayne under the mask, from worst to best, in the pages of DC Comics.

(From L to R) Azrael as Batman, Dick Grayson as Batman, and Terry McGinnis as Batman Beyond.

DC Comics10. Lex Luthor Lex Luthor as Batman in the pages of DC Comics.

DC Comics

The Man of Steel’s most persistent foe, billionaire genius Lex Luthor, is also no fan of the Batman. Despite this, Lex Luthor has also been a version of Batman himself, however briefly. In Batman #119, Luthor bought Bruce Wayne’s Batman Incorporated company right out from under him, making it part of Luthor Corp. He even designs a Batman mech suit to fight the Dark Knight. He didn’t last very long as a version of Batman. But he was one, nevertheless. Other temporary Batman stand-ins like Jason Todd and Azrael may be antiheroes, but Lex is straight-up evil. So he’s definitely the worst Batman of them all.

9. Jason Todd Jason Todd (The Red Hood) in his brief time as Batman.

DC Comics

If Batman’s various Robins are his sons, then Jason Todd is the black sheep of the family. Mostly famous as “the Robin readers voted to die,” Jason returned to life and became an anti-hero vigilante named Red Hood. When Batman died in Final Crisis, he threw his batarang in the ring to become his successor. He wore a version of the bat suit, but had no problems killing his enemies, even gunning them down. A Batman who uses guns seems like blasphemy to us, so for that reason alone, Jason Todd is close to the bottom of this list. The only reason he makes the list at all is because his Batman costume is actually pretty cool.

8. Alfred Pennyworth Alfred Pennyworth as Batman in the DC Rebirth era.

DC Comics

Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne’s trusted butler and father figure, is usually portrayed on the elderly side. Nevertheless, he has filled in as Batman before for good old Master Bruce. (And no, we don’t just mean in a goofy moment in Batman ’66. Although they did it first.) Most recently, he did it in the Rebirth era of DC, under writer Tom King. Alfred put on the Batman costume in an effort to fool the unhinged Gotham Man. Alfred has the right moral character to be the Dark Knight, but since his expertise is more in dressing wounds than making them, we give him this slot on the list.

7. Thomas Wayne Thomas Wayne, the Flashpoint universe's version of Batman.

DC Comics

In the alternate reality from the mini-series Flashpoint, by Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert, we were introduced to a reality where the gunman who killed Bruce Wayne’s parents didn’t kill them, but young Bruce himself. This led to Martha Wayne losing her mind and becoming the Joker. As for Thomas Wayne, he became a hardened version of Batman who uses lethal force. When the Flash from our reality appeals to his better nature to help restore the “proper” timeline, it helps redeem this version of Batman. Flashpoint Batman struck a chord with readers and he kept returning, despite the end of his universe. He becomes more of a villain for our Batman than an anti-hero as originally depicted. But he’s a compelling character, and a fan favorite for a reason.

6. Tim Drake The third Robin, Tim Drake, when he took on the mantle of Batman.

DC Comics

The third Robin, Tim Drake, is too often glossed over in Batman history. Dick was the original, Jason was “the one who died,” and Damian is Bruce Wayne’s son. But Tim Drake is perhaps the smartest of all the Robins, and the only one who figured out Bruce Wayne’s secret on his own. While Tim Drake has repeatedly stated he has no desire to ever become Batman, the mantle has been thrust upon in him in two different alternate futures.

First, we meet a Tim Drake Batman in the “Titans Tomorrow” storyline in 2004’s Teen Titans. That “TimBat” was much more like Flashpoint Batman, embittered and taking a “take no prisoners” attitude about criminals. And way too comfortable using guns. The second alt-timeline Tim Drake Batman was in the Batman Beyond comics. He came from the main reality, thrust 35 years into the future, taking over when Terry McGinnis died. Tim Drake became the new future Batman for a time, proving he could be Gotham’s protector as well as any of his Robin brothers.

5. James Gordon Gotham City PD's Jim Gordon in his role as Batman in DC's New 52.

DC Comics

When it comes to his non-costumed allies, Bruce Wayne’s Batman has no greater one than Commissioner James Gordon. So it was only a matter of time before someone got around to put Jim in the costume. And that someone was writer Scott Snyder. In the middle of his seminal Batman run, Bruce Wayne’s Batman disappeared. Believed dead, Jim Gordon became the new government-funded Batman of Gotham City. Gordon’s Bat costume is cool, but the anime-styled mech suit looks like it has bunny ears and not bat ears, so it’s just a tad goofy. But Gordon made a compelling (however short-lived) Dark Knight who discovered that being a police officer and being Batman are very different things. While this list is replete with morally questionable people taking over as Batman, Jim Gordon was not one of them.

4. Azrael (Jean-Paul Valley) Azrael as Batman in early '90s DC Comics.

DC Comics

One of DC’s most famous ‘90s stories is “Knightfall,” which elevated Bane to A-list villain status when he broke Batman’s back. During that saga, with Bruce Wayne incapacitated, he tasked Jean-Paul Valley, the recently introduced anti-hero Azrael, to replace him as Batman. Azrael was part of the extremist religious Order of St. Dumas, a soldier in their holy war to purify Gotham. For the better part of a year, “Azbat” was Gotham City’s protector. But his ultra-violent ways did not mesh with Bruce Wayne’s M.O. When Bruce recovered, he had to take his mantle back. Azbat’s costume was designed by future Marvel icon Joe Quesada, and it’s a very ‘90s costume. It’s memorable for just how overdesigned it is. Azbats is mainly notable for being the first replacement Batman to last more than a few issues.

3. Jace Fox Jace Fox, New York City's own Batman.

DC Comics

One of the most recent non-Wayne Batmans on this list is Jace Fox, who only took on the mantle of the Dark Knight recently, in 2020. He’s unique among Batmans as the only one who doesn’t protect Gotham City, but instead, defends New York City. Jace is the prodigal son of longtime Batman business ally Lucius Fox, who first appeared way back in 1979. Disappearing for decades, he returned to continuity where readers learn he’d killed someone in a hit-and-run, resulting in a strained relationship with his family. Attempting to make up for his past deeds (and using years of military training) he assumes the name and costume of Batman. Jace Fox headlined his own series, I Am Batman, for 18 issues. He’s culturally notable as the only African-American version of Batman to ever headline his own series.

2. Dick Grayson Dick Grayson, the former Robin and Nightwing, takes on the role of Batman.

DC Comics

If any character is worthy of inheriting the mantle of Batman, it’s his original Robin, Dick Grayson. And unlike several other alternate Batmans on this list, he never sullied the legacy of Bruce Wayne by being ultra-violent or going over the edge. In fact, he was often better at being Gotham’s protector than Bruce. (Yeah, we said it.) Nightwing took over as Batman for the first time after Azrael’s controversial run, but only for a very brief time. After Bruce “died” in the event series Final Crisis, there was a “Battle for the Cowl,” on who would take over. Dick Grayson won that battle.

Nightwing spent a year in the cowl where his Robin sidekick was Damian Wayne, Bruce’s young son. Even more than Bruce, Dick’s Batman molded Damian into a true hero, not just a petulant junior assassin. Most importantly, one of the greatest Batman stories ever, “Black Mirror” by Scott Snyder, features Dick Grayson as Batman. Dick Grayson was all the positive aspects of Bruce Wayne’s Batman with fewer of his negative traits. Simply put, he’s just not a jerk like Bruce. We like Dick Grayson as Nightwing more, but his Batman was fantastic.

1. Terry McGinnis Terry McGinnis, better known as Batman Beyond.

Warner Bros. Animation

The greatest non-Bruce Wayne Batman wasn’t created in the comics, he came from TV animation. Terry McGinnis was the titular Batman Beyond in the 1999-2001 series, a sequel to the iconic Batman: The Animated Series. Set in a futuristic Gotham, where Bruce Wayne is an old man and retired from being Batman, Terry McGinnis is an ordinary teenager whose father is killed by a criminal gang, and later stumbles on Bruce Wayne’s secret. He becomes the new Batman, under the tutelage of the elder Wayne, and defends his city from a variety of futuristic villains.

What makes Terry’s Batman great is that he’s a remix of some of comics’ greatest heroes. He’s a teenager dealing with relatable problems (Spider-Man), he’s got an amazing high-tech suit (Iron Man), and he’s an urban vigilante like the original Batman. Somehow, this synthesis just works. This makes Terry a unique Batman, feeling connected to the past while not being a direct copy of Bruce. Yet he retains Bruce’s strong moral compass. Although originally a strictly TV character, Terry McGinnis became so popular, DC Comics incorporated him into the comic book continuity. Since he’s in the future, he didn’t have to return the title to Bruce after a brief run, continuing as the ongoing future Dark Knight.

The post Ranking the Non-Bruce Wayne Batmans, From Worst to Best appeared first on Nerdist.

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Published on December 06, 2024 16:08

James Gunn Explains How the DCU Structure Is Less MCU, and More STAR WARS

With the arrival of the first official DCU entry Creature Commandos, DC Studios’ James Gunn has been making the press rounds. And he’s dropped a few tidbits about what to expect from the greater DCU, which really gets into gear when Superman and Peacemaker season two arrive in 2025. Gunn of course was a key figure in Marvel Studios’ earliest phases. But while appearing on the Happy Sad Confused podcast (via IGN) Gunn stated the DCU slate won’t totally resemble how the MCU did things. And it will look much more like how modern Star Wars does it. Here’s what he had to say:

This is about a connected universe. We’re world building. We’re not story building. We’re not writing one story that has a beginning, middle, and end. We’re creating a universe in which people can go and join into this universe and experience it. It is much more like Star Wars than Marvel in that respect. There are some things you gotta be kinda loose about. There are lots of product names in Peacemaker. He’s mentioning celebrities all the time. Superman’s a different sort of world. It’s not about real people in a real world. It’s about this mythical DC universe. Those are two stories created by the same person in the same universe and even those are different in terms of the vibrations they’re giving.

(L) Superman and Krypto from 2025's Superman (R) The Mandalorian and Grogu from Star Wars.

DC Studios/Lucasfilm

Fans of DC Comics recognize this as very in keeping with how the publisher has handled their universe for decades. In DC Comics, the gritty Gotham of Frank Miller’s Batman lives in the same world as the supernatural Swamp Thing. Not to mention the goofy original Teen Titans comics, or the fantastical Aquaman. DC books each have their own storytelling flavor, much more so than Marvel, which all tend to gel together in tone. And yet, they all co-exist in the same universe (or rather, the same multiverse). Gunn is smart to take this same approach for the DCU. This has worked pretty well for Star Wars. After all, Andor couldn’t be more different from Skeleton Crew. Both co-exist in the same galaxy, and the audience never questions it. If that’s the blueprint, we’re here for it.

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Published on December 06, 2024 12:20

DAGGERHEART, CRITICAL ROLE’s Answer to DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, Reveals Cover Art

Something new is coming to the world of tabletop roleplaying games, and that’s Critical Role‘s answer to Dungeons & Dragons, Daggerheart. Critical Role shares, “Daggerheart [is] our contribution to the world of high-fantasy tabletop roleplaying games. Daggerheart is a game of brave heroics and vibrant worlds that are built together with your gaming group. Create a shared story with your adventuring party, and shape your world through rich, long-term campaign play.”

Darrington Press has revealed the cover of Daggerheart. Unveiling at PAX Unplugged, the artwork embodies the game’s sense of wonder and adventure, rich storytelling, and captivating world and characters awaiting players. The standard Daggerheart Core Set comes as both a core rulebook and a box to hold cards, and their artwork connects together to form a dramatic diptych illustrated by Mat Wilma. The limited edition box set artwork by Dominik Mayer graces the full wrap-around box as well as the core rulebook, the box of cards, AND a stunning exclusive GM screen. Fans attending PAX Unplugged can view both the standard edition of the Daggerheart Core Set as well as the extras-packed limited edition at the Darrington Press booth (#3535).

The Daggerheart cover reveal for Critical Role's answer to D&D

Darrington Press

And now, you can officially pre-order Daggerheart and get ready to play. Critical Role’s original TTRPG game is available to purchase now in a standard “Core Set” version or as a limited-edition collectible which will feature “a GM screen, a dice set, a rip pad of character sheets, and tokens, as well as a sweeping alternate cover art treatment.” Daggerheart will officially ship/release in Spring 2025.

🗡️THE #DAGGERHEART PRE-ORDER BEGINS NOW ❤️‍🔥

Daggerheart is coming in Spring 2025 in the Daggerheart Core Set and the Limited Edition, packed with extras! Be the first to bring the full version of our collaborative storytelling TTRPG to your table and pre-order today!

➡️… pic.twitter.com/9z3x6mQXms
— Critical Role (@CriticalRole) September 17, 2024

As far as game mechanics go, in Daggerheart will “players roll one HOPE die and one FEAR die (both 12-sided dice), which will ultimately impact the outcome for your characters. This duality between the forces of hope and fear on every hero drives the unique character-focused narratives in Daggerheart.” The game will also involve a card system that “makes it easy to get started and satisfying to grow your abilities by bringing your characters’ background and capabilities to your fingertips.

Critical Role Daggerheart Critical Role game setup

Critical Role

Ancestry and Community cards describe where you come from and how your experience shapes your customs and values. Meanwhile, your Subclass and Domain cards grant your character plenty of tantalizing abilities to choose from as your character evolves.”

Daggerheart Open Beta Playtest has now launched globally.

Originally published September 17, 2024.

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Published on December 06, 2024 10:10

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