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9 New STAR WARS Movies Announced, Including Daisy Ridley’s Return as Rey

After many false starts and canceled projects, Star Wars is finally ready to return to theaters. Lucasfilm announced three new upcoming standalone movies during the opening of Star Wars Celebration 2023. These new Star Wars movies include a story about the founding of the Jedi, a movie that will serve as the finale to this era of interconnected Disney+ shows, and the return of Daisy Ridley’s Rey. Additionally, in January 2024, Lucasfilm also announced a fourth new movie was heading to theaters, The Mandalorian & Grogu, a big-screen adventure starring our favorite Disney+ duo. Additionally, the once-canceled Rogue Squadron may rise to join the line-up (but nothing official has been reported.) Shawn Levy also teased he will direct a Star Wars film. And finally, a whole new trilogy of mysterious Star Wars movies also appears to be in the works.

Lucasfilm

The galaxy far, far away is finally going back to the big screen, and how. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy revealed James Mangold (Logan, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny), Dave Filoni (The Mandalorian, Ahsoka), Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy (Ms. Marvel, Saving Face) have all been tapped to direct these new Star Wars movies. Meanwhile, Jon Favreau will take on the Mando movie. Additionally, if what Patty Jenkins says is true, she will direct an upcoming Star Wars movie as well, and it seems that Shawn Levy will also direct a Star Wars movie. Finally, Star Wars: Rebels‘ Simon Kinberg has reportedly been tapped to write a new trilogy that may or may not continue the Skywalker Saga.

While Lucasfilm shared few official details about the films, the little they tell us says a lot. Here’s what we know about these new Star Wars movies so far.

Jump to: James Mangold’s Story of the Force // Dave Filoni’s Disney+ Series Team-Up // Rey Will Return in Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s New Star Wars Movie // Jon Favreau Brings Us The Mandalorian & Grogu // Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron Is Back in Play // Shawn Levy Is Set to Direct a Star Wars Movie // A New Trilogy of Films Is on the Way From Simon Kinberg

James Mangold’s New Star Wars Movie Tells the Story of the Force

James Mangold’s “will go back to the dawn of the Jedi,” a time set tens of thousands of years earlier than anything we’ve ever seen on screen before. That might mean we’ll meet the figure known as Prime Jedi. That’s the person who founded the Order on Ahch-To sometime around 25,000 years before the events of A New Hope. Fans already know Ahch-To well. They first saw it in The Last Jedi when it served as Luke Skywalker’s hideaway. A release additionally shares, “James Mangold will take audiences deep into the past, telling the tale of the first Jedi to wield the Force and harness it as a liberating power in an era of chaos and oppression.”

Lucasfilm

Mangold further noted to Empire that his new Star Wars movie “takes place 25,000 years before Episode IV, and it’s about the discovery of the Force.” He further shares, “I told Kathy [Kennedy, head of Lucasfilm] I wanted to make a kind of Bible movie, a kind of Ten Commandments of Star Wars – kind of a Cecil B DeMille film about the arrival of the Force, and that’s what I’ve been pecking away at between press events. That’s the idea.”

According to The Hollywood Reporter, playwright and screenwriter Beau Willimon will co-write the script with Mangold. In addition to his playwriting career and his Emmy-nominated scripts for House of Cards, Willimon also wrote the prison three-parter in season one of Andor. Writing the best episodes of the best Star Wars show is some real bonafides.

James Mangold’s New Star Wars Movie Connects with Rey’s Next Appearance

Kennedy also recently shared that this movie will help inform the new Star Wars movie featuring the return of Rey. She noted to Total Film, “I think it’s a really nice compliment to what we’re doing with moving into the future with Rey, and then understanding a bit more of where this all came from,” she explains. “Because it will be at the heart of creating the new Jedi Order, so to get a real sense of where that might have began with the dawn of the Jedi could be pretty cool.” 

According to a new official Star Wars eras list revealed by LucasFilm, this movie will most likely take place in the “Dawn of the Jedi” era, but could even take place earlier than that.

Dave Filoni’s Film Will Bring Together Many Current Disney+ Series

The next new Star Wars movie will come from franchise veteran Dave Filoni. His film “will focus on the New Republic and close out the interconnected stories told in The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, and other Disney+ series.” That’s huge news for both the television and movie side of Lucasfilm. When we get a release date for Filoni’s film, we’ll know just how many more seasons of The Mandalorian we might see. Clearly, there’s already an end in sight to Din Djarin and Grogu’s story. Although, we suppose they could continue on beyond a culminating movie. A release further shares, “Dave Filoni will orchestrate the escalating war between the Imperial Remnant and the fledgling New Republic.”

Lucasfilm

In exciting news, Alien star and all-around icon Sigourney Weaver reveals she’s joined the cast of The Mandalorian & Grogu.

Rey Will Return in Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s Star Wars Movie

The third and final new Star Wars movie announced will focus on the future. Obaid-Chinoy’s movie will take place after The Rise of Skywalker. It will mark the return of Daisy Ridley as Rey. Set 15 years after the ultimate defeat of the Sith, she will be trying to build a new Jedi Order. Hopefully, that goes a lot better than her mentor Luke Skywalker’s attempts. According to the new list of Star Wars eras, it seems like this movie will take place in the “New Jedi Order” era.

Did Rey’s Star Wars Movie Lost Its Writer?

Recent rumors speculated that the Rey movie might have been delayed indefinitely due to creative differences between Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and writer Steven Knight. However, according to Gizmodo, Lucasfilm confirmed in January the movie is still moving forward without issue. According to the publication, a source at Lucasfilm noted at the time, “Knight continues to write and be a part of the process. In fact, the company is waiting on his latest draft as you read this.”

However, the latest reports, which we saw on Variety, seem to indicate that Rey’s Star Wars movie may have lost its writer. According to Variety, Knight is out as the writer of the Star Wars film and has now departed from the project.

A Release Date for Rey’s New Star Wars Movie

According to Productionlist.com, which tracks production updates for the Film & Television Industry Alliance, the Rey movie was reportedly meant to start shooting on April 7, 2024 in London. But that does not seem like it came to pass.

Disney has announced two upcoming release dates for Star Wars movies: December 16, 2026 and December 17, 2027. It seems like Rey’s Star Wars movie may be released at one of these two points, more likely the latter one.

Jump to: James Mangold’s Story of the Force // Dave Filoni’s Disney+ Series Team-Up // Rey Will Return in Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s New Star Wars Movie // Jon Favreau Brings Us The Mandalorian & Grogu // Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron Is Back in Play // Shawn Levy Is Set to Direct a Star Wars Movie // A New Trilogy of Films Is on the Way From Simon Kinberg

The Plot of Rey’s Upcoming Star Wars Movie

Kathleen Kennedy shared more about the movie with Variety. She noted:

Well, we’re 15 years out from ‘Rise of Skywalker,’ so we’re post-war, post-First Order, and the Jedi are in disarray. There’s a lot of discussion around, ‘Who are the Jedi? What are they doing? What’s the state of the galaxy?’ She’s attempting to rebuild the Jedi Order, based on the books, based on what she promised Luke, so that’s where we’re going.”

Speaking to Empire, Kennedy added, “The First Order has fallen, the Jedi are in chaos – there’s even a question of how many exist anymore – and Rey’s building the New Jedi Order, based on the text that she was given and that Luke imparted on her.” She also offers, “Rey has made a promise to Luke, and that’s really the core of where we’re going and what this story will be. And I think it offers just tremendous opportunity to introduce new characters and start with something fresh, because we culminated with what George [Lucas] was creating, and now we take all of that and move it to the next chapter.” 

Lucasfilm

On the topic of a possible Luke Skywalker presence in the new Star Wars movie, Kennedy said: “I don’t know if we’ll spend a lot of time in flashbacks or [on] Force ghosts or things like that, but certainly, the spirit of what he represents to her is going to be significant.”

Ridley previously noted, “I know bits and bobs… I know there’s an introduction of new characters… I don’t know about previous characters.” But she also didn’t rule out anyone’s return. When asked about the popular idea of John Boyega’s Finn returning as a Jedi in the new Star Wars movie, Ridley responded, “That is above my pay grade. [Laughs] I would love to see that, but that is not a decision for me.” She also recently told The Hollywood Reporter that it feels like she and Boyega should reunite in the movie, noting, “Absolutely, of course…It feels like we should, yeah.”

But Ridley does have some information, according to Empire, “she knows the story beats for what the new film will be.” And, as of May 2024, she notes that she still hasn’t read a script “but it is imminently about to change.”

A Jedi Academy Is in Rey’s Future

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy further noted about the new Star Wars movie, “At the heart of it, for me, is Rey Skywalker, Daisy Ridley, and her story, and taking her on an adventure to a Jedi Academy and sort of creating a world that is a natural dovetail to the story that we’ve seen her go through in the last three episodes.”

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy says she's had conversations with J.J. Abrams and George Lucas and speaks with Filoni "very often."

And the team is "really taking time to make sure that we do justice to telling the story of Daisy."#StarWars pic.twitter.com/3K5HXA6GpU

— Pedro (@pedrolms20) June 20, 2024

Obaid-Chinoy additionally adds, “I’ve had conversations with JJ Abrams. I’ve had conversations with George Lucas and, of course, Dave Filoni, who is a big part of the Star Wars universe now. We speak very often, and Kathy Kennedy, Carrie Beck, and Simon Emanuel – I think the team is really taking time to make sure that we do justice to telling the story of Daisy.”

Rey’s Future in the New Star Wars MovieLucasfilm

But will Rey’s upcoming Star Wars movie continue the common franchise trend of introducing new characters that are somehow related to other characters in the world? Daisy Ridley doesn’t really think so. Speaking to Deadline, Ridley noted it seemed unlikely that Rey would have kids in the new Star Wars film. She shared, “I would say she probably doesn’t have children seeing she’s a Jedi.” Of course, we know hypothetically Rey still could have children, like Anakin before her, but it sounds like this won’t be the path of the movie.

Daisy Ridley also notes that Rey will take a different approach to teaching the next generation of Jedi than Luke Skywalker did. Speaking to Den of Geek, she says about Rey’s tactics diverging from Luke’s, “I would say, from what I understand, yes. Short answer.”

Daisy Ridley and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy Give Updates on the New Film

Daisy Ridley noted to Collider, “I’m very excited. The story is really cool. I’m waiting to read a script because, obviously, I don’t have any other updates. It’s not what I expected, but I’m very excited.” And additionally told The Hollywood Reporter, “I’m genuinely really excited about the next one [Star Wars movie]. I haven’t read anything, but I know the story. It’s really worth telling, worth exploring, and I think people will be excited.”

Daisy Ridley on Returning as Rey

The actress also offered a bit of a further tease about the film to AlloCiné. She said of the upcoming Rey Star Wars movie, “Once I knew what the story was and everything, I knew that it was something I really wanted to do. I think it’s a really fantastic exploration of the Star Wars world. It’s a really cool way of taking the story on in a bit of a different direction.” In conclusion, as Ridley noted to Variety, the story of this Star Wars movie is “cool as sh*t.”

Ridley also recently shared that this time around, she feels more ready to be Rey. “I suppose I feel more like I’m owning it. I suppose I owned it the first time. Basically, I’m an adult now. I certainly did not feel like an adult at the time. Obviously, personally, things have changed, and professionally, I’ve had lots of other experiences, and so I definitely feel like it’s a different thing this time. There’s just a lot of joy with me and these films. Honestly, if I wasn’t excited, I wouldn’t have done it. It feels like a great thing to be a part of.” However, the actress also expressed reprising the role could be a strange experience, saying, “I honestly have had moments where I’m like, ‘I don’t know if I remember what I did [as Rey]… It’s really strange. I think the whole thing will feel so different anyway, with a totally different team. I’m in a very different place than I was. I’m probably going to be one of the adults, and initially, I was the youngest person on set, which is a weird feeling.”

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy on Tackling a Star Wars Story

Meanwhile, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy noted to CNN, “I’m very thrilled about the project because I feel what we’re about to create is something very special… We’re in 2024 now, and it’s about time that we had a woman come forward to shape a story in a galaxy far, far away.

We couldn’t agree more. But something tells us it won’t be smooth sailing for Rey. The dark side of the Force has a way of always creating shadows over the galaxy far, far away, especially in theaters.

The director also added, “The story that interests me most is in Rey’s journey as a female Jedi. That’s how I can best bring my experiences to it.”

Jump to: James Mangold’s Story of the Force // Dave Filoni’s Disney+ Series Team-Up // Rey Will Return in Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s New Star Wars Movie // Jon Favreau Brings Us The Mandalorian & Grogu // Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron Is Back in Play // Shawn Levy Is Set to Direct a Star Wars Movie // A New Trilogy of Films Is on the Way From Simon Kinberg

Jon Favreau Takes Our Favorite Duo to the Big Screen in The Mandalorian & Grogu Walt Disney Studios

In addition to joining Dave Filoni’s big group Star Wars movie, the Mandalorian and Grogu will also star in a new Star Wars movie of their own (aptly titled, The Mandalorian & Grogu). Few details are known about it for now, but it will go into production in 2024.

As previously noted, this movie is expected to start shooting in April 2024.

At D23, Filoni and Favreau revealed that Zeb will be in The Mandalorian & Grogu movie. They also showed a teaser trailer for the movie which revealed what looked like a battle on Hoth, complete with AT-ATs and Snow Troopers. It also showed Grogu in a tiny ship with Anzellans.

Patty Jenkins Returns to Direct the Once Canceled Star Wars Movie Rogue SquadronLucasfilm

In 2020, Lucasfilm announced Patty Jenkins would direct a new Star Wars movie, Rogue Squadron. But the movie was removed from the company’s lineup in 2022. Now, Jenkins has revealed she’s back to work on the film, and she’ll take on the roles of writer and director. You can see what she had to say in full, here.

Shawn Levy Is Reportedly Set to Direct a Star Wars MovieLucasfilm/Marvel Studios

Deadline reports that Shawn Levy is set to direct a Star Wars movie of his own. The publication notes that the movie will be written by Jonathan Tropper. Levy’s Star Wars movie has not yet been officially announced, and no further details are available.

Levy briefly spoke on that movie during a Happy Sad Confused podcast appearance in August. Fresh off of Deadpool & Wolverine, the director didn’t give up too many details. But Shawn Levy did say that his Star Wars movie would not be redundant and that he and writer Jonathan Tropper have a fresh concept in mind.

“…there’s only so many times that Star Wars movies can revisit the same section of the timeline, and so it’s really forced me—because I don’t want to do a Star Wars movie that is redundant to others, nor am I interested in doing one that has to serve another movie,” he said. He hopes that his ideas will continue to thrill the powers that be at Lucasfilm and they can move forward with this film.

A New Trilogy of Star Wars Movies Is on the Way From Simon KinbergLucasfilm

Recent reports also indicate that Lucasfilm has hired Simon Kinberg to write and produce a new trilogy of Star Wars movies. Some sources indicate these movies may actually be Episodes 10-12 of the Skywalker Saga, while others note they will be wholly original. You can check out more details about this potential trilogy, here.

Jump to: James Mangold’s Story of the Force // Dave Filoni’s Disney+ Series Team-Up // Rey Will Return in Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s New Star Wars Movie // Jon Favreau Brings Us The Mandalorian & Grogu // Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron Is Back in Play // Shawn Levy Is Set to Direct a Star Wars Movie // A New Trilogy of Films Is on the Way From Simon Kinberg

Originally published on April 7, 2023.

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New STAR WARS Movie Trilogy Reportedly on the Way, Could Be Skywalker Saga Continuation

Star Wars might have a big presence on Disney+, but the franchise began on the big screen. And that’s where the galaxy far, far away is returning in a big way. Lucasfilm has a litany of new feature films scheduled to arrive in theaters over the next few years. Now the studio wants to make even more. A new report says Lucasfilm has closed a deal with Star Wars: Rebels co-creator Simon Kinberg to write and produce a new movie trilogy. It just might not be entirely “new.” Kinberg’s Star Wars movie trilogy could, shockingly, be the next three installments of the Skywalker Saga.

Lucasfilm

Deadline‘s Mike Fleming Jr. reports Lucasfilm has signed Kinberg to develop, write, and produce a new Star Wars trilogy of films. That’s not a surprise, considering Kinberg, who also penned many X-Men movies, co-created and wrote for Star Wars: Rebels. The animated series remains one of the franchise’s best, most beloved shows. What is surprising is that Fleming Jr. says he’s heard the three new Star Wars movies that Kinberg is heading up are episodes 10-12 of the Skywalker Family Saga.

Star Wars‘ main series seemingly ended with The Rise of Skywalker. It wasn’t exactly a well-received conclusion, which could explain why Lucasfilm wants a second shot at getting the ending right. That might also explain the recent issues with Daisy Ridley’s standalone Rey movie set years after Palpatine’s ultimate demise. Or it could just be that Disney likes money.

Lucasfilm

Don’t start locking in your opinions on another Skywalker movie trilogy just yet, though. Fleming Jr. also writes that “insiders disputed my intel.” They say Kinberg will instead write a totally new, unrelated Star Wars trilogy that will begin a new saga that will “sit alongside” other upcoming Star Wars films and shows Lucasfilm has already announced.

Which insiders are right? They ultimately can’t both be, but that doesn’t mean either side is wrong yet. Lucasfilm might seriously be considering another Skywalker Saga Star Wars movie trilogy. But they might only do that if Kinberg can develop an idea they like. If not, the studio might decide to let him start something new.

Until we get definitive answers all we can do is wait to see what the future holds for a story that, no matter what it is, will take place a long, long time ago.

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Breathe with Steve From BLUE’S CLUES in This Comforting Video

In times of trouble, going back to your childhood roots can provide a welcome escape. In the past, Steve Burns, who played Steve on the delightful kids show Blue’s Clues, has stepped in to give us hugs and other comforts. And man, have we needed them. Today, Steve invites us to take a nice deep breath with him. Breathing, bird song, and a little tea/coffee with Steve won’t change the perils of the world, but they sure might make you feel less alone.

You can check out this latest bit of soothing Steve energy in the comforting video below.

Honestly, Blue’s Clues Steve is a master at his craft of warmth. He manages to offer some cathartic understanding without even saying a word. And he invites you to breathe with him but in a very casual way that doesn’t make you feel at all silly for finding a little welcome peace in this video. It’s a really well-done offer of long-distance comfort.

Steve Burns

Who knew the cheerful host of a low-stakes series about a blue puppy could have such immense resonance? Before making his big come back to social media, Blue’s Clues Steve Burns shared the following message with those who’d watched him on their screens:

You remember how, when we were younger, we used to run around and hang out with Blue and find clues and talk to Mr. Salt and freak out about the mail and do all the fun stuff? And then one day, I was like, ‘Oh hey, guess what? Big news. I’m leaving!’… Can we just talk about that? Because I realize that was kind of abrupt… I mean, we started out with clues, and now, it’s what? Student loans, and jobs, and families?…I guess I just wanted to say that after all these years, I never forgot you. Ever. And I’m super glad we’re still friends.

At the time, that really made us feel seen and emotional. It seems like Steve is taking that friend-responsibility very seriously these days. It’s good to know that no matter what, we’ll be able to join Steve to find our next clue about what to do in the world… or at least to carve out a little space to rest. Blue’s Clues may be just a distant memory for us, but Steve helps us feel like kids again. And who doesn’t need to feel like everything will be okay for a little bit of time? You can catch all of Steve’s super nice videos and Blue’s Clues callback on his TikTok and Instagram channels. He says he’s not out to be the next Mr. Rogers, but he’s definitely giving off those vibes

Thanks for the breathing and the love, Steve!

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What Even Is the MCU Anymore?

With Marvel now deep into its Multiverse Saga with still no clear direction in sight, what even is the MCU anymore? Kyle is taking a look at the current state of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to figure out what the future might hold on today’s episode of Nerdist News.

The MCU Has a Post-Credits Scene Problem: https://youtu.be/LlhMM4kTLvM

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Could Eddie Munson Be Alive in STRANGER THINGS 5? 4 Episode Title Clues That Signal His Return

Okay, listen, we’re just going to preface this by saying that our hopes that Eddie Munson will be alive in Stranger Things 5 are high, but our belief that he actually will return is low. Still, when life gives you a Stranger Things 5 episode title with a giant bat god in it, one associated with death and sacrifice, you just have to make some space for yourself to believe that Eddie Munson could come back. And that’s not the only potential clue that Eddie Munson could still be alive hidden in the full list of Stranger Things 5‘s episode titles.

Netflix

You could call it wishful thinking—we’ll call it manifesting. Here are the clues (that we very much want to believe are real) hidden in Stranger Things 5‘s episode titles that signal Eddie Munson is not dead after all.

Stranger Things 5, Episode 6 Invokes Camazotz, a Bat God, and Eddie Munson Is Associated with Bats

Stranger Things 5, episode 6, revealed a title that immediately caught our eye and made us think of Eddie Munson. Episode 6 of Stranger Things‘ final season has the title of “Escape from Camazotz.” But what is Camazotz? Well, Camazotz is actually a bat god from Mayan mythology. Camazotz means “death bat” in the K’iche language, and the god has associations with death and the “domain of Twilight.” Mexic-Arte Museum shares that this bat god likely came to exist because “Bats would inhabit the subterranean caves around the Sacred Cenotes, or sinkholes of water, which the Mesoamericans believed were portals to the underworld. It would be a very chilling sight at dusk when the bats would swarm out of these ‘portals’ and begin drinking the blood of the other animals.”

Smite Game

Portals to the underworld, you say? That sounds an awful lot like how the Upside Down operates to us… And who is associated with death, the Upside Down, and bats? Why, it’s Eddie Munson. Eddie, of course, sadly died in the Upside Down, swarmed by demobats. In addition to this, he had bats tattooed on his arm long before he ever heard of Vecna and the rest. We’re not saying this Stranger Things 5 episode title must refer to Eddie Munson being alive; we’re just saying it would be a shame for it not to. If a bat god of death has entered the scene, it feels unfair to tie it to anyone else when Eddie Muson already has strong symbolical associations with the creature.

Netflix

We’d love to see bat-Eddie swarm out of a portal… and begin drinking the blood of other animals. (If he must.) Camazotz is also the god of sacrifice, and who has sacrificed more than Eddie Munson?

NetflixEddie Munson, Kas the Bloody-Handed, and Camazotz

In myth, Camazotz sometimes drank the blood of his enemies—making him a Mesoamerican vampire. Interestingly enough, fans have theorized that Eddie Munson could return to life as a vampire on Stranger Things since the moment of his death. In these theories, fans look specifically to the Dungeons & Dragons tale of Kas the Bloody-Handed. Incredibly, Kas is a warrior who fought against Vecna in the lore, lost, and was resurrected by him as a vampire. Kas’ story isn’t one-to-one with Eddie Munson’s, but it sure does feel like a way the creators could go if they wanted to bring Eddie Munson back to our screens on Stranger Things. With Stranger Things 5‘s episode titles invoking bats, vampires, and death gods, we feel Eddie Munson must be involved.

Craig J. Spearing. Official Artwork / NetflixEddie Munson Was a Sorcerer in Stranger Things Puzzle Tales

Moving on from bats, we come to the title of Stranger Things 5, episode 4, “Sorcerer.” The Party loves a good game of D&D—and if you’ve seen Stranger Things or ever played Dungeons & Dragons yourself, then you know picking the class of your character is a major part of the fun. Some Stranger Things characters have official D&D classes assigned to them by the series, while others have associated themselves more spiritually. But we have yet to see a sorcerer on Stranger Things… Or have we?

Interestingly enough, Eddie Munson was very recently labeled as a Sorcerer in the tie-in Stranger Things game, Stranger Things Puzzle Tales. While the events of this game are by no means canon, it sure is interesting that Eddie Munson is the only sorcerer we’ve ever seen pop up on anything associated with Stranger Things. And Eddie’s Sorcerer connection came to life at the same times as the release of Stranger Things 5‘s episode titles—that’s a little suspicious. If Stranger Things 5 wanted to introduce an important sorcerer, wouldn’t they keep a bit more of an eye on who else holds this title? We’re taking this to mean that Eddie Munson is absolutely alive in Stranger Things 5. If he’s not a bat god, he can be a sorcerer instead.

Episode 1 of Stranger Things 5 Matches Lyrics From the Song Eddie Munson Played in the Upside Down, “Master of Puppets”Netflix

This “Eddie could return” Stranger Things 5 episode title clue is a little thin, but it has been shared before, so we’ll give it some space. As we previously learned, the first episode of Stranger Things 5 will be called “The Crawl.” Meanwhile, “Master of Puppets,” the Metallica song that Eddie Munson plays in the Upside Down before his demobat death, features the following lyrics: “Come crawling faster (faster) / Obey your master (master) / Your life burns faster (faster) / Obey your master, master.” If Vecna has indeed brought Eddie Munson back to life by as a demobat vampire, then he might be living out the prophecy of his own music. Now, he’s the one crawling toward Vecna, who is the Master of Puppets.

Netflix

“The Crawl” and “Come Crawling,” again are not perfect analogs, and yet, the connection is there. We’d like to think it’s a sign that Eddie’s Kas/Vampire storyline could come to pass, and we’ll see him again in Stranger Things 5.

Stranger Things 5, Episode 8, “The Rightside Up,” Could Reveal HeavenNetflix

This last Stranger Things 5 episode title clue isn’t necessarily about Eddie Munson specifically, but it does give us hope that we could see him return, if not alive, then at least present, in the final season of the show. The final episode of the final season of Stranger Things is called “The Rightside Up.” At Nerdist, we’re speculating that the Rightside Up could be another realm that parallels Hawkins, just like the Upside Down does. But instead of a realm of despair and anguish, it’s one of hope and life. And if the Rightside Up is a kind of heaven, then it had better include the afterlife of one Eddie Munson. We’d prefer, of course, to see Eddie alive in Stranger Things 5, but we’ll take him however we can get him.

Could Eddie Munson Be Alive in Stranger Things 5?

Ultimately, we don’t want Eddie as a bat god, an evil sorcerer, or a shade in the afterlife. We just want Eddie Munson to be alive in Stranger Things 5. (No puppet strings attached.) But as we just said, any Eddie is an Eddie we’ll welcome. Ultimately, it’s too soon to know if these episode title clues are wishful or meaningful when it comes to Eddie Munson’s return to Stranger Things. But it sure can’t hurt to think about it. Eddie Munson, we’re hoping that 1987 can be your year. We’ll sign off as we always do, bring back, Eddie Munson, you cowards!

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STRANGER THINGS 5 Reveals Episode Titles, Confirms 2025 Release Date

“In the fall of 1987, one last adventure begins,” shares a new teaser for Stranger Things‘ final season. If that sounds ominous, we feel like it’s because it is. Either way, Stranger Things 5 is coming our way, and it’s coming soon. We don’t know if we feel emotionally prepared for the final season to strike us, but strike us it will. Netflix officially revealed on Stranger Things Day 2024 (November 6, the day Will Byers disappeared) that Stranger Things 5 will release in 2025. Yes, that’s just around the corner. In addition to sharing a release date window for the final season of Stranger Things, the platform also shared the episode titles for Stranger Things 5. And that has left us a lot to think about.

Netflix

You can check out the full list of episodes below and then dive deep into what these new Stranger Things 5 titles mean in our piece here. We also speculate a little bit about the specific release date we can expect for Stranger Things‘ final season.

The Full List of Stranger Things 5 Episode Titles

Okay, it’s all becoming very real now. We already knew the title of the first episode of Stranger Things‘ final season would be “The Crawl.” But now, several other titles have come to join it. Below, you can check out the full list of episode titles Netflix revealed for Stranger Things 5. We assume these are the titles for the entire season, but it’s possible Netflix could surprise us.

Stranger Things 5, Episode 1 will be titled “The Crawl”Stranger Things 5, Episode 2 will be titled “The Vanishing of REDACTED”Stranger Things 5, Episode 3 will be titled “The Turnbow Trap”Stranger Things 5, Episode 4 will be titled “Sorcerer”Stranger Things 5, Episode 5 will be titled “Shock Jock”Stranger Things 5, Episode 6 will be titled “Escape from Camazotz”Stranger Things 5, Episode 7 will be titled “The Bridge”Stranger Things 5, Episode 8 will be titled “The Rightside Up”Netflix

All of these Stranger Things 5 episode titles really have our gears turning… Especially “The Rightside Up.” Could there be another parallel plane that exists around Hawkins, Indiana, like the Upside Down—but in this one, everything is good, and nothing hurts? We’d like to think so.

Stranger Things 5 Release Date Window: When Will the Final Season Release?Netflix

We don’t yet know exactly when Stranger Things‘ final season will release. But we do have a release date window now. According to this new teaser, Stranger Things 5 will release in 2025. It’s also not yet clear if the final season of Stranger Things will have “Volumes” or “Parts” the way Stranger Things 4 did. If so, we could be looking at more than one premiere date for Stranger Things 5. Previous seasons of Stranger Things have released in the spring, summer, and fall—so season five really could come at any time.

Netflix

The “Episode Title” teaser for Stranger Things 5 does go out of its way to stress that this last adventure begins “in the fall of 1987.” So that could possibly be a hint toward a more specific release timing. Then again, the sneak peek didn’t say, “In the fall of 2025.” So, we can’t say for sure. In any case, we know Stranger Things 5 won’t come after December 2025, so our wait can only go so long.

We can’t wait to see where this upside down/rightside up journey takes us.

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What Do the STRANGER THINGS 5 Episode Titles Mean?

Stranger Things 5 is coming our way in 2025 and we cannot wait to see how this epic adventure ends. Hawkins was left in a lurch at the end of season four with Max in a coma, poor Eddie Munson being labeled a murderer, the Upside Down leaking into Hawkins, and the entire town recovering from the “earthquake.” There’s a lot for the show to address and wrap up as it moves into the Fall of 1987. We don’t know what to expect yet but, thanks to a Stranger Things 5 episode title announcement video, we have some potential ideas about what could go down based on the title’s meanings (or lack thereof). Let’s get into it.

Stranger Things 5 Episode 1 – “The Crawl”  

This Stranger Things 5 episode title doesn’t have a very clear meaning. “The Crawl” could involve one of our main kids having to literally crawl their way out of a sticky situation. Maybe we will see Max, who is in a coma, crawling in the mental hellscape she’s stuck in with Vecna. But, considering this show’s D&D foundation, this title could be in reference to running a dungeon crawl. It’s basically a scenario where players have to cleverly make their way through the maze of a dungeon, where they will battle monsters, solve questions, and more. There will be some new locations and perhaps one of them will serve as a dungeon-like place where Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will, and everyone else has to lean into D&D knowledge to get through successfully.

Stranger Things 5 Episode 2 – “The Vanishing of [REDACTED]”Atsushi Nishijima/Netflix

This is an obvious full circle moment that takes us back to when Will Byers seemingly vanished into thin air on November 6, 1983. It seems unlikely that another one in our main crew would “vanish.” Our money is on Holly Wheeler, Mike’s younger sibling who has been a non-factor until this point. A lot of it was likely due to her very young age in earlier seasons. However, she’s probably around 7 or 8 years old at this point with a new actress cast for season five. Every other sibling, including Lucas’ little sister Erica, has been in on the action. It would make sense for Holly to witness something and end up missing this round. There are rumors that she will play a bigger role, so we will see what goes down.

Stranger Things 5 Episode 3 – “The Turnbow Trap” Netflix/Ross Duffer/Instagram

This one is interesting. In a behind-the-scenes teaser clip for Stranger Things 5, we caught a glimpse of a billboard that appears to be in the Upside Down. It is an artistic depiction of a family (presumably Mom, Dad, and their son) and advertises for a land development & real estate company. We don’t know anything about this family nor their role in everything that’s been happening in Hawkins and beyond but it seems they are up to no good. At this point, we don’t have details about who Linda Hamilton is playing, so perhaps she is a part of this family or works with them. 

Stranger Things 5 Episode 4 – “Sorcerer”

We have previously put the main Stranger Things crew into different D&D classes. And we have none of them as a Sorcerer. That includes One/Vecna who is actually a lich. It is possible that we will meet a new character who could occupy this role. Or, maybe there’s someone who returns with sorcerer-like powers, like Eleven’s sibling Kali/Eight. Her ability to manipulate minds and cloak herself and others fits into the bill. Anything is fair game in this final round. 

Stranger Things 5 Episode 5 – “Shock Jock” 

This Stranger Things 5 episode title suggests that a large portion of this adventure will take place at WSQK 94.5, the radio station that we have been seeing in a ton of behind-the-scenes photos and likely heard in the background in previous seasons. For those who don’t know, a shock jock is a radio personality/DJ who uses drama and (sometimes crude/controversial) humor to entertain fans. In reality, it is based on WPTF out of Raleigh, NC, which services the Duffer Brothers nearby hometown of Durham. In the series, we will see our crew perhaps working out of the station with Eleven. We know that radio frequencies are closely aligned to how she taps into her powers, so that makes sense. As far as the titular shock jock, that seems to be “Jimmy Fasthands” Lee, based on an ad that Ross Duffer posted on IG. Hmmm….

Stranger Things 5 Episode 6 – “Escape from Camazotz”

There’s so much potential with this one. In Mayan mythology, the Camazotz is a bat spirit that is serving the underworld. Based on that, it wouldn’t be totally out of the realm of possibilities for Eddie Munson to return in Stranger Things 5 as a Camazotz in service of Vecna. He died in the Upside Down after being attacked by a swarm of Demobats. However, the more likely reference here is A Wrinkle in Time’s Camazotz, which is a planet where Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin go to save Meg’s father. It can appear creepily utopian with extreme uniformity and is under the control of IT, a brain-shaped antagonist. In Stranger Things 5, it is possible that the kids find themselves in a place that’s very similar and they must get out, lest they want to be trapped and lose their free will. It could even be a parallel to the Upside Down where those who have died now reside in this afterlife place. (More on that in a bit.) 

Once again Ross Duffer gave us a hint that the latter is more likely with a photo of A Wrinkle in Time‘s cover.

Stranger Things 5 Episode 7 – “The Bridge” 

This is indeed a vague one. It could be a literal bridge or a bridge between worlds. Whatever it is, crossing from one side to the next holds an extreme amount of risk. Last season, Eleven did go into Max’s mind and see her skateboarding near a small bridge, but that may not be related to what’s going on here.

Stranger Things 5 Episode 8 – “The Rightside Up” 

Could “The Rightside Up” be a reference to a place that is NOT just plain ole Hawkins in its normal state? If the Upside Down exists, there could be a parallel to that world where deceased/lost souls get to live in peace. It would be lovely to see fallen friends like Bob, Barb, and Eddie somewhere that feels like the realm of Hawkins but not quite. Or, this could simply mean that someone, perhaps Eleven or Will, make the ultimate sacrifice to shutter the Upside Down for good and turn everything rightside up again so lives can be normal.

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SCAVENGERS REIGN Not Getting a Season 2 at Max or Netflix, Shares Trailer For It Anyway

It’s good news and bad news for fans of the gorgeous animated series Scavengers Reign. The bad news is that for now, it’s not getting a season two. Max canceled Scavengers Reign after season one despite a devoted fanbase. And for a while it looked like a second season of the series could come to life on Netflix. But alas Scavengers Reign season two will not continue its reign… yet. Joseph Bennett, the co-creator of the sci-fi series, took to Instagram to share the sad news. But he also brought him with some fire. Although season two of Scavengers Reign is not currently happening, it has released a GORGEOUS trailer anyway. Presumably, this trailer is meant to entice any errant networks to its side. And honestly, if I saw this beautiful show up for grabs, I would take it.

You can check out the Scavengers Reign season two trailer below and see what Bennett had to say about the future of the series.

Bennett writes about the current status of Scavengers Reign season two:

As of right now, Scavengers Reign is not being renewed for a second season.

I wanted to let everyone know directly because I really love our fanbase, they’ve been such champions for the show, and I don’t want to leave everyone hanging.

We’ve had to fight tooth and nail every step of the way to get this show made, starting all the way back in 2016 with the Scavengers short film to the release of the first season last year.

It’s a case study for believing in something and persevering through a million and one hurdles. But, it got made, thanks especially to so many people who supported it along the way, in big and small ways. I want to thank some of those people, starting with my co-creator Charles Huettner @charles.huettner , Chris Prynoski @chrisprynoski and everyone at @titmouseinc , my home base at @greenstreetpictures , the writers, directors, and so many incredible artists who worked tirelessly on the show, and the folks at Max who were incredible partners to work with.

Joe Bennett

It sounds like it was quite the struggle to bring even one season of Scavengers Reign to life. But despite that, Bennett and the rest of the creators of the series are ready to fight for more of the series. And not all creators come to the table with that energy. So we love to see it.

Bennett continues, sharing his vision for the future of Scavengers Reign, which includes a season two teaser trailer. “But this is not the end. There is more story to be told, we are ready to make another season, and we produced in-house at Green Street a teaser for what was going to come in the second season. Thanks again to everyone who watched and supported the show.”

Joe Bennett

Phew. This is the kind of attitude we want all creators of canceled shows to bring. And we hope that season two does come to pass. Anyone with eyes will watch the proposed trailer for Scavengers Reign season two and understand this show is special. The animation really is unlike anything else out there right now, and the world and story seem equally fascinating.

Joe Bennett

Those who want to catch up on season one of the series after seeing this art-piece can do so right here. The Scavengers Reign synopsis shares, “After their deep-space freighter is damaged, the stranded crew of the Demeter must fight to survive on a beautiful yet dangerous planet.” The show is also an Emmy winner.

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James Gunn Says Classic DC Story NEW FRONTIER Will Have a Big Influence on the DCU

With the arrival of Creature Commandos this December and Superman next year, James Gunn’s new DCU will officially begin. And although we know which projects are coming, we didn’t know the overarching story for Chapter 1 – Gods and Monsters. Well, thanks to a post from Gunn, we now know which classic DC series might shape the overall saga of the DCU. It’s one of the greatest comics DC Comics has ever put out, Darwyn Cooke’s The New Frontier. In a post, Gunn said “I love New Frontier, and its magical alternate history is a big influence on DC Studios.”

James Gunn states 'JUSTICE LEAGUE: THE NEW FRONTIER' is a big influence on DC Studios.

"I love New Frontier and its magical alternate history is a big influence on Dc Studios." pic.twitter.com/5XzZzAHAGL

— DC Film News (@DCFilmNews) November 5, 2024

2004’s New Frontier, written and illustrated by the late Darwyn Cooke, tells a story spanning almost two decades, from the end of WWII until the space race era of the early ’60s. The DC Universe in this story had a Nazi-fighting Justice Society, who all retired by the early ’50s. Only Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman stuck around. As the ’50’s becomes the ’60s, new heroes like the Flash, Green Lantern, and Martian Manhunter emerge. They investigate a mystery about an ancient primordial evil within the Earth, one that ultimately unites them as the Justice League.

DC Comics

While we don’t think a direct adaptation of New Frontier is happening, elements from it could shape the DCU. (An animated adaptation did happen in 2008 as a DTV film). We will likely see a DCU with some history, possibly going back to World War II. The synopsis for Lanterns talks about members of the Green Lantern Corps investigating an ancient mystery here on Earth. While this DCU won’t be set in the ’60s, we think it will be a world with an alternate history to ours. This is very similar to Watchmen. (Although, probably not nearly as bleak as Watchmen). We’ll know for sure when Superman hits theaters in July, 2025.

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Law Roach’s Limited-Edition Pepsi Clothing Collection Celebrates ’70s Roller Skating Culture

Pepsi is collaborating with famous stylist Law Roach, who has dressed celebrities like Zendaya and Ariana Grande. The iconic cola-flavored drink’s Wild Cherry flavor inspires the limited edition capsule collection. 1970s roller skating culture defines the collection’s style, along with Roach’s signature avant-garde style.

Pepsi/Noah Fecks

“The Pepsi brand has been a cultural trendsetter for over 125 years, and design has always been an essential element of that journey. Between the delicious,bold flavor and eye-popping design of our Pepsi Wild Cherry and Pepsi Zero Sugar Wild Cherry, it’s no surprise it’s one of our most craved colas. We want to help our fans embrace their wildly fashionable side with this new capsule collection–and no one could have brought the Pepsi Wild Cherry vision to lifebetter than the creative powerhouse that is Law Roach,” said Jenny Danzi, Head of Pepsi Marketing.

Clothing items include bomber jackets, a denim jumpsuit, tearaway tracksuit pants, cropped baby tees, shorts, socks, and hats. The Pepsi x Law Roach collection begins at $19, with prices going up to $199. Sizing for the collection ranges from XS to 2XL. The products are set to ship in early 2025.

Pepsi/Noah Fecks

“Working with Pepsi is an opportunity to merge two worlds I know so well—fashion and pop culture,” said Law Roach. “This collection is a celebration of individuality and self-expression, values that Pepsi and I both share. Together, we’ve created a collection that will help people embrace their unique style while leaning into the history and iconic energy of the Pepsi brand.”

Pepsi is no stranger to unexpected collaborations like its Maple Syrup Cola with IHOP, which was released earlier this year. The Pepsi x Law Roach collection is now available for pre-order on a designated website for the collaboration, which also includes a lookbook of the pieces.

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