Chris Hardwick's Blog, page 21

Want to Watch PAX West Panels Live? Join the Stream on NERDIST’s YouTube

PAX West is right around the corner, and it’s jam-packed with exciting panels that are sure to yield a slew of announcements and reveals from all your favorite gaming titles. If you’re not attending the event, you may be wondering whether you can watch any of PAX West at home. And the answer, happily, is yes. Nerdist will be live-streaming the best panels from the event right on its YouTube channel. And the best part is that this PAX West live-stream is totally free. Here’s how you can tune in. PAX West

Where Can You Watch PAX West Live?

You can watch PAX West on Nerdist‘s live stream on YouTube. To do this, you can head to Nerdist‘s YouTube channel OR click on this direct link. However, please note that the link will only become live once PAX West begins.

When Will Nerdist Be Streaming PAX West?

Nerdist will live-stream all four days of PAX West for your viewing pleasure. PAX West will run from August 29 to September 1. The event begins at 10 am PT on all four days.

Is it Free to Stream PAX West’s Panels with Nerdist?

Yes! It is totally free to watch PAX West’s panels on Nerdist. All you have to do is head to YouTube and watch the video like you would any other.

What Panels Should You Watch on Nerdist‘s Live-Stream of PAX West 2025?

There are many terrific panels happening at PAX West 2025—but you may not have time to watch all of them. To make your life easier, here are the five we suggest you watch:

RELATED ARTICLE

PAX West 2025: The 5 Best Panels in This Year’s Jam-Packed Schedule

If you’d like to check out the full schedule, you can do so here. See you on the stream.

The post Want to Watch PAX West Panels Live? Join the Stream on NERDIST’s YouTube appeared first on Nerdist.

ALIEN: EARTH Seems to Confirm Xenomorphs Have a Language

One of the questions fans have asked about the Xenomorphs since 1979’s original Alien is “just how smart is the alien?” The creature definitely had problem-solving skills of a sort. But as far as we know, it couldn’t do anything complex, like fly a spaceship for example. Or, as far as we knew, speak in any kind of language. However, Alien: Earth just revealed that the noises the Xeno makes actually do form a kind of communication system, one that possibly counts as language. The hybrid synthetic Wendy, played by Sydney Chandler, is the character who discovers it.FX

At the end of episode three, “Metamorphosis,” we see the Prodigy scientists in Neverland do experiments on their captured Xenomorph eggs. These eggs originated in the crashed Weyland-Yutani ship, the Maginot. After Kirsh (Timothy Olyphant) cuts into the egg, he starts to dissect a living facehugger. This causes intense and unexplained pain in the hybrid Wendy, who can hear the alien cries of pain in her head far away, and which makes her double over in pain and collapse on the floor. This occurs after she saved her brother from a Xenomorph earlier in the episode.

FX

In episode four, “Observation,” Boy Kavalier and his scientists at Prodigy take notice of Wendy’s unique connection to the Xenomorph. They conduct intense experiments to see if she can reproduce the complex sounds the creatures make and communicate with them. She describes these sounds as “bugs rubbing their legs together.” This suggests the language is entirely vibration-based. And not on a frequency humans can hear. Not only can Wendy hear the sounds clearly, but using her artificial vocal chords, she can literally replicate them. Wendy can seemingly talk to the creatures, confirming they have a form of vocal communication that qualifies as language. Wendy even communes with a newborn facehugger by episode’s end. We are unaware by the end of this episode just what the aliens are saying, however. That remains a mystery. Wendy doesn’t even seem to know what she’s saying, doing it all by instinct.

RELATED ARTICLE

ALIEN: EARTH’s Noah Hawley and Samuel Blenkin Talk Lore, Humanity, Sci-Fi Influences, and More

Prodigy (and by extension, Weyland-Yutani) want to take control of the Xenomorphs as some kind of weapon. One that the Colonial Marines can presumably use off-world. We’ve known that since the very start of this franchise. But a weapon like the Xenomorphs is only really useful if one can control it, and if they have a language, and it’s one the corporations can replicate, then they have an undefeatable weapon of mass destruction at their disposal. 

FX

Of course, we know what happens in the timeline after Alien: Earth, starting with Ridley Scott’s original film and then James Cameron’s Aliens. So it’s safe to say that the human corporations never fully grasp the Xenomorph language. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have had literally the whole rest of the franchise play out the way it did. But knowing that the Xenomorphs have a language really changes what we knew about their levels of intelligence. While we still wouldn’t go as far as saying they are sentient beings. But they definitely have more going on than just “kill and have babies.” It remains to be seen whether Noah Hawley is willing to reveal just how much the aliens can really talk. Or reveal what they are saying.

Alien: Earth drops new episodes every Tuesday on FX and FX on Hulu.

The post ALIEN: EARTH Seems to Confirm Xenomorphs Have a Language appeared first on Nerdist.

ALIEN: EARTH Introduces Its Most Terrifying Creature, and It’s a Sheep

So far on Alien: Earth, Noah Hawley has introduced us to four new extraterrestrial species aside from the classic Xenomorph. But after episode four of Alien: Earth, we think the Xeno, designed by the late, great H.R. Giger, has been replaced by a new creature as the most terrifying. And it lives in the body of a very sinister sheep. Yes, you read that right—a sheep. We already clocked this judgy-looking sheep as a breakout star when the trailer for the series first dropped, but until it appeared in episode four, we had no idea what pure nightmare fuel this menacing sheep truly was.FX

The creepiest new alien that the Weyland-Yutani ship the Maginot discovered was what we call “the octopus eye,” whose official name is the T. Ocellus. We already saw in the first few episodes that this parasitic creature ripped out the eye of a cat right out of its socket, inserting itself and taking control of its higher brain functions. In episode four, Prodigy CEO Boy Kavalier brings a sacrificial sheep into his lab, where the T. Ocellus yanks out the eye of the poor beast, taking control of it. The Prodigy synth Kirsh (Timothy Olyphant) already knows that this alien is intelligent. With its large, bloody eyeball, it is very unnerving.

FX

A self-aware, problem-solving alien would be a huge change for this franchise. While the Xenomorph is smart for an animal, there’s never been anything that indicates that it’s self-aware or sentient in any way. Everything it does is purely instinctual, like its need to reproduce by any means necessary. It might be a “perfect organism,” but it cannot do math equations. But if the octopus eye inside the unsuspecting lamb is sentient, then that represents a whole new kind of horror the franchise has never seen before. Perhaps one far more dangerous than the Xenomorph.

RELATED ARTICLE

How ALIEN: EARTH Fits Into the ALIEN Franchise Timeline

The scene in episode four of Alien: Earth where the octopus eye kills and possesses (for lack of a better word) the sheep is absolutely horrifying. For a franchise with some truly iconic body horror moments, that’s saying something. It’s body horror of the best kind, even if the body in question is an animal and not a human. Once it takes over the sheep, its death stare evokes evil animals of horror movies past. Think of Black Phillip from The Witch. When it looks directly at the Prodigy scientists, it oozes pure destructive intent.

FX

We’re not sure how long the octopus eye will stay living inside of the poor zombified sheep. But we doubt that if it ever makes it into an actual human, it will be as scary as it is while it lives inside that sheep. There are other scary new aliens, like the orchid, the “blood bugs,” and the flies. So as the show continues, one of those other aliens might become the new “most terrifying.” But right now, the MVP of Alien: Earth is that eye octopus that found a home inside a sheep’s skull. And we won’t soon forget how it stares at the camera like it’s very disappointed in you.

The post ALIEN: EARTH Introduces Its Most Terrifying Creature, and It’s a Sheep appeared first on Nerdist.

Inside Magic Kingdom’s New PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN Tavern The Beak and Barrel

Last week I headed down to Walt Disney World for the Mouse House’s Play ‘n’ Preview media event. It was a chance to experience recent additions to the Orlando parks while learning about upcoming additions. While there was plenty of playing and preview…ing, one incredible sneak peak combined both. Nerdist was among the very first ever inside The Beak and Barrel, the new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern opening on August 29 at Magic Kingdom.

What was it like being at the iconic park’s first bar? What will fans of Disney, drinking, and pirates think? And what, if any, improvements would we like to see to this immersive experience? Here’s everything you need to know about The Beak and Barrel from someone who set sail there.

NerdistWhat Is The Beak and Barrel at Magic Kingdom?

The Beak and Barrel is the first ever tavern at the Magic Kingdom. Guests of all ages can visit the immersive, themed bar for 45 minutes. There’s a two drink maximum and they offer both adult and non-alcoholic beverages. (You’ll need an ID to get a wristband for alcohol. They invited me down and I still had to show mine.) The space also serves small shareable plates and one drink-dessert combo.

The project’s lead Imagineers, Ken Ricci and Chris Weck, say the bar exists between the worlds of the legendary ride and the movies. It’s physically located between the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and the attraction’s gift shop in Adventureland. It’s where the old Pirate League salon stood until closing in 2020.

Did The Beak and Barrel Really Shut Down Walt Disney World’s Entire Dining Reservation System?Nerdist

The Beak and Barrel will begin welcoming regular park visitor’s on August 29. Reservations originally opened on August 14. Or at least that was the plan. So many people tried to book a spot, the second they went live, the entire dining reservation system for Walt Disney World shut down. Plans to re-open reservations to the next day were quickly changed to the following week. Disney isn’t taking them more than 60 days in advance and every spot is already completely booked until then.

Since visitors will be stalking cancellations, getting a walk-in seems nearly impossible for the foreseeable future.

What’s It Like Inside The Beak and Barrel?

The short answer – “incredible.”

The Beak and Barrel is completely immersive. It’s also really cool. It would be the best bar in a lot of cities, a destination location for those looking to have more than just a drink.

It’s lit just enough so you can see and appreciate everything while still feeling as though you’re hanging out in an authentic and lively pirate bar. And that’s good because it’s so loaded with buccaneer decor it’s hard to know where to look. Every nook and cranny, from floor to ceiling—where a pirate sleeps with his leg hanging out of a cot—-contains something fun to check out. You can spend your entire 45 minute visit solely admiring the giant skull-shaped bar. It’s home to the Enchanted Rum Bottle, an enchantress gift to owner Captain Merry Goldwyn that assures the rum will never run out.

If The Beak and Barrel were simply a waiting area for an attraction, rather than a fully functioning themed bar with waiters who perform, it would be worth spending an hour in just to stare at everything. For Walt Disney World fans, it’s as though the incredible, immersive queues for Everest and Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom got together with Trader Sam’s tavern at the Polynesian for a Pirates of the Caribbean marathon.

I can’t imagine anyone who loves the ride, the films, pirates in general, Disney, or themed bars won’t love this place. I was inside twice (once for pictures and interviews and then as a guest) and I want to go back a hundred times. There’s simply too much to appreciate and there’s no way to get it all in just a couple visits.

How Many Rooms Does The Beak and Barrel Have?Nerdist

The Beak and Barrel has three main rooms. You enter into the primary space called the Mess. It’s named for the mess hall where Spanish soldiers ate before pirates took over the space. Like the entire bar, it’s jam-packed with fun decorations, including a ship’s bell and sleeping cat over the door. The Mess has long communal tables down the middle and is located near the gorgeous Cursed Bar which is filled with fun props and liquor. There’s also a small jail cell at the back, but the former brig is now open and home to a table for thirsty patrons.

Near the front left when you enter is the small but impressive Mapmaker’s Room. Inside is a massive carved wooden table* where customers can gather to eat and drink. Atlases, maps, and other artifacts fill the space, which also show signs of its mapmaker’s descent into madness.

*Note: How soon is Disney opting to open this bar after finishing it? Well, a week before its official opening we couldn’t go into the Mapmaker’s Room. They’d applied the lacquer to the wooden table so recently it hadn’t dried yet.

The Captains’ Quarter’s rounds out The Beak and Barrel. Imagineer Ken Ricci told me this area wasn’t even part of the bar’s original plans, but they kept pushing what the space could be.** It’s a good thing they did, because in addition to providing way more opportunities for guests to visit, this room is incredible. It features a fireplace whose mantle has ships in glass bottles that go to war with one another. It’s also home to the Captains’ Booths, seating areas adorned with custom, hand-carved wooden reliefs. Each booth depicts the exploits of a different captain. Jack Sparrow’s is located at the far end of the tavern. Fans of the films will recognize many of his most famous moments in those carvings.

Nerdist

**Rather than Disney telling its Imagineers to tone down The Beak and Barrel or limit what they did, they were encouraged to just keep adding more and more stuff. There’s nothing Ricci wanted to include but couldn’t. It shows in the best way.

Does The Beak and Barrel Have Easter Eggs and Props from the Movies?Nerdist

Not only are there tons of Easter eggs and nods to both the film and the ride, The Beak and Barrel boasts many on-screen props from the movies. Ricci and Weck had trouble even coming up with a lot of them because there are too many to name. Guests will be finding them for years.

A few notable Easter eggs to look out for include one of Ponce de Leon’s chalices from On Stranger Tides. It’s near a knife high above the colorful and spooky bar. One of the cannons from the ship of the Pirate Lord Sao Feng seen in At World’s End rests on the entrance wall. And nearly every painting save for just a few are straight from the films. Turns out the company’s storage center in Atlanta likes to clear space so it was easy getting real Pirates of the Caribbean props for The Beak and Barrel.

How Immersive Is The Beak and Barrel Experience?

During the preview portion of my sneak peek, I already felt utterly immersed inside The Beak and Barrel. It was early in the morning at the Magic Kingdom, but all sense of time and place quickly disappeared inside the tavern. It also really does exist between the ride and the movies, as it feels like a part of both worlds. Captain Jack Sparrow is a big presence in the bar without actually being present, but the supernatural elements of the movie aren’t. It feels like a tavern you might visit on Tortuga without any ghosts ruining your night. Just drunk and rowdy pirates, like on the ride.

During the guest experience portion that afternoon we got to witness firsthand how the bar’s theatrical elements work. Servers are also performers in costumes who speak like pirates at all times. That will get old quickly for some while others will love bantering back and forth like a grizzled seaman. At random intervals a storm will hit the bar. Lightning will flash, thunder will crash, and the servers will rush to “batten down the hatches” as they pretend to sway while taking electrical lanterns off tables for safety.

The bar owner’s talking parrot, Rummy, also randomly appears above the Cursed Bar with a story or joke. Rummy is based on the old Pirates of the Caribbean ride mascot, the Barker Bird. The animatronic is fantastic as it waddles in and out from behind its curtain. There’s as much kinetic energy in The Beak and Barrel as there is static energy.

How Are the Food and Drinks at The Beak and Barrel?Nerdist

With so much to cover with this pirate-themed bar we didn’t want the rum-soaked tales of…well, rum…to get lost in the shuffle. So you can read all about everything we ate and drank here.

How Does The Beak and Barrel Compare to Oga’s Cantina at Galaxy’s Edge?Nerdist

The Beak and Barrel is a big upgrade over Oga’s Cantina. In addition to looking better and feeling far more immersive, simply having more room is a huge upgrade. Unlike Oga’s, most patrons will have their own table. Those who don’t won’t be stuck next to a stranger. Even communal spots have space to enjoy yourself and your party. Imagineers told me they learned a lot about the acoustics issues found at Oga’s, from which The Beak and Barrel does not suffer.

I wouldn’t care if I skipped Oga’s on my next Disney trip. Not snagging a spot at The Beak and Barrel would be a huge disappointment.

What Improvements Can The Beak and Barrel Make?

With so much to look at, so many food and drink options worth trying, and the theatrical elements that take up a lot of your attention, 45 minutes simply isn’t long enough. If you want to hit your two drink maximum without wasting either beverage you’re going to have to down them quickly. That’s easier said than done since the drinks are good-sized and filling. If you’re eating as well, it’s going to be even tougher.

There’s also a little too much Rummy. I loved when he appeared the first couple of times. By the third or fourth (I lost count), I was eager for something else to happen. The ships in the glass bottles fighting is a great bit of theming, I just wish there was one more thing like that so The Beak and Barrel didn’t have to rely on Rummy popping in so much. It’s like if Andy showed up every ten minutes at Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Hollywood Studios. It’s fun to freeze like a toy when that happens at that restaurant, but it would be less fun if it kept happening again and again and again.

Rummy’s frequent appearances might not have grown as tiresome, though, if I could have seen them all. I was seated at a table in the middle of the Captains’ Quarters, a perfect spot to witness the ships in bottles battle. (Those in booths had to get up.) But there was a big glass window blocking my view of Rummy and much of the raging storm elements. If you hear him coming, you can jump up into the archway to see, but when everyone tries to do that at the same time it’s tough. Removing those glass windows would make a big difference to a majority of people in the Captains’ Quarters. Those situated in the Mapmaker’s Room will have an even tougher time seeing everything without moving.

Is The Beak and Barrel Worth Visiting?Nerdist

At this point I think it’s pretty obvious I’m a huge fan of The Beak and Barrel. I went in with high expectations and yet it somehow totally exceeded them. It’s wholly immersive, wildly entertaining, a great bar unto itself, and an even better tribute to Pirates of the Caribbean. This is the work of Imagineers untethered by limits but inspired by past Disney greatness to make something new and wonderful. As usual that’s the recipe for something special.

While it’s not a cheap place to visit, it’s really not out of line with the kinds of prices you’d expect from a Disney dining experience, either. When you factor in the storytelling elements it’s like paying for a dinner show. And even if I wish some tables had better sight lines for those who only get to go once, experiencing The Beak and Barrel from different vantage points will be a huge selling point in why you’ll want to return again and again like a pirate looking for safe port.

Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist. He talked like a pirate for just two minutes at The Beak and Barrel. (Even though he was really good at it.) You can follow him on Bluesky at @burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.

The post Inside Magic Kingdom’s New PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN Tavern The Beak and Barrel appeared first on Nerdist.

Watch Some Adorable Kitties Take a Ride on a Cat-Sized Custom LEGO Train

We’ve seen all kinds of cool LEGO custom builds over the years. But we’ve just come across one that would probably be welcome in the homes of most cat owners. The YouTube channel Brick Tecnnology specializes in making videos about how to create LEGO vehicles that can climb walls, or how to build a hydraulic LEGO excavator. All are using 3D printed bricks. Those are great, but nothing beats their video where they build a functioning LEGO train that can hold a cat, so kitty can take a ride all around the house, distracted from all those open cardboard boxes.

The folks at Brick Technology stress that the train has an open roof “for quick cat exits.” Obviously, this is essential. The kitties didn’t take to their new train car right away, because cats. So they introduced them gradually to the train to make sure they weren’t scared of it. Here’s what else Brick Technology had to say about creating this unique feline transportation system.

Building an RC LEGO train that cats can ride in with 3D printed rails and wheels. My two cats Cookie and Muffin are tired of walking, they’d rather travel by LEGO train. LEGO isn’t designed for building a large train that can carry cats because it lacks large wheels and rails for smooth movement. To solve this, 3D printing was used to create these parts. The rail switches use magnets or rubber for automatic changing. The bogies have a suspension system to handle uneven tracks and curve tilts, with each wheel powered by a strong, compact Lego L motor. The axles are made of aluminium to avoid bending under the weight. The train is powered by 3 Lego Powered Up hubs, allowing for extra sensors to automate the train further.

Brick Technology

For more cool LEGO builds, although most without cats, check out the Brick Technology YouTube channel.

The post Watch Some Adorable Kitties Take a Ride on a Cat-Sized Custom LEGO Train appeared first on Nerdist.

James Gunn Addresses PEACEMAKER Retconning into DCU Canon

James Gunn is rewriting history to suit his own purposes. But it’s okay because it’s not the Smithsonian and he’s not the President of the United States. Gunn’s actually just retconned a show everybody liked from a cinematic universe many did not to fit into a new one. No big whoop, really, but it is very smart. When Gunn made his mark in DC movies and shows with The Suicide Squad and its follow-up, Peacemaker, the DCEU was a shell of its former self. So why not eschew the bits that tied it to the old and tie it into the new?

This, of course, led to one of the cleverest retcons in TV history. In the “last season on” recap before Peacemaker season two, episode one, we saw the titular hero coming across new DCU heroes (Mister Terrific, Superman, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Supergirl) instead of the old DCEU Justice League. Wicked Smaaht, as the Bostonians would say.

HBO Max

Gunn recently addressed those changes in an interview with Rotten Tomatoes. He said:

“Peacemaker was always in a weird place. People say he was part of the DCEU but he wasn’t really. He was part of this “in-between Universe” of DC when there was nobody really making sure that everything was connected and at a time when they were going to rewrite everything with The Flash.

We were kind of able to do whatever we wanted and we had that brash ending, which I loved, it was one of my favorite things from the whole season, but it just didn’t fit in with the DCU. And Peacemaker, there’s hardly anything else that you need to change for him, he can slide very easily into the DCU, same with Blue Beetle. They just kind of fit in very nicely, we just have to retcon a couple of things.”

James Gunn breaks down retconning the Justice League with the Justice Gang in #Peacemaker Season 2. pic.twitter.com/joTboo3hUn

— Rotten Tomatoes (@RottenTomatoes) August 22, 2025

I’ve said it before, but why wouldn’t Gunn want to take some of the best work of his career with him into the new cinematic universe he’s in charge of? Sure, it’s picking and choosing, but that’s comic books for ya. He’s keeping Blue Beetle, too, so it’s not like it’s only his own shiz.

Later in that same interview, Gunn shared that Peacemaker season two is as integral to the early chapter of the DCU as Superman and Supergirl.

James Gunn shares how #Peacemaker: Season 2 sets up the future of the DCU. pic.twitter.com/cveXc8Vb39

— Rotten Tomatoes (@RottenTomatoes) August 21, 2025

We’ll of course see where all of this goes, but the DCU is off to a pretty killer start. Even if, as Gunn said, not all of the upcoming projects directly tie in to the overall story arc, it’s already shaping up quite nicely.

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 Letterboxd.

The post James Gunn Addresses PEACEMAKER Retconning into DCU Canon appeared first on Nerdist.

KING OF THE HILL Is Reportedly Renewed for Season 15

King of the Hill‘s revival was a resounding success at Hulu. We certainly enjoyed seeing Hank, Peggy, Bobby, and all the usual suspects return to our TV. There were plenty of Easter eggs and callbacks for fans of the show’s original run and a lot of new changes for newer viewers. So it is not shocking at all that Vulture reports another season of King of the Hill is already on deck and coming our way next year, thanks to a renewal.Hulu

That’s right, it seems that King of the Hill got that coveted renewal notice before season 14 even hit our screens. This seems to be true considering that Hulu supposedly ordered 20 episodes of the series. That means we have ten more to go, which equals enough for season 15 of King of the Hill.

RELATED ARTICLE

All of the KING OF THE HILL Revival Easter Eggs, Callbacks, Cameos, and References

It would also be rather dumb to not bring back a successful series in today’s era of a zillion other things to watch. There’s no further information yet nor a more formal confirmation from Hulu, but hopefully we will learn more soon.

The post KING OF THE HILL Is Reportedly Renewed for Season 15 appeared first on Nerdist.

KPOP DEMON HUNTERS Is the Most Watched Netflix Movie Ever (And Its First Box Office Hit)

It’s official, KPOP Demon Hunters is Netflix’s most-watched movie ever. Netflix shared the news, citing that “With 236 million views, KPOP DEMON HUNTERS is OFFICIALLY the most popular Netflix film OF ALL TIME.” Wooo! That’s big news for the streamer, but potentially bigger is the fact that KPOP Demon Hunters is also its first #1 hit at the box office.Netflix/Sony Animation

According to CNBC, “Rival studios on Sunday estimated “KPop Demon Hunters” led all films over the weekend with $16-18 million in ticket sales. Distribution executives from three studios shared their estimates for the Netflix phenomenon on condition of anonymity because the streaming company has a policy of not reporting ticket sales.” Some have even estimated the movie made about $20 million in its weekend stint at the theater. Apparently, Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters even made it to the top of the box office without appearing at the popular AMC Theaters chain. AMC declined to show the movie. But those KPOP gals didn’t need ’em to send Netflix to #1. That’s two total wins for KPOP Demon Hunters.

If you’re not in the know, KPOP Demon Hunters is Netflix’s musical sensation that has been winning hearts and minds with its candy colored visuals and gorgeous animation. Tickets to its sing-along screenings absolutely sold out in a heartbeat. So we do not feel even slightly surprised to hear that this movie is number one across the board.

THEIR #1 ERA

With 236 million views, KPOP DEMON HUNTERS is OFFICIALLY the most popular Netflix film OF ALL TIME. pic.twitter.com/A6yEiXzbHd

— Netflix (@netflix) August 26, 2025

The synopsis for Netflix’s KPOP Demon Hunters shares, “A K-pop girl group must harness the power of their music to protect the world from demons in this action-packed animated adventure.” Netflix has also made the sing-along version of KPOP Demon Hunters available to everyone at home.

We guess there’s only one thing left to do. Get out the karaoke mic and turn on KPOP Demon Hunters once again, we can’t let the Huntr/x gals lose their crown!

The post KPOP DEMON HUNTERS Is the Most Watched Netflix Movie Ever (And Its First Box Office Hit) appeared first on Nerdist.

Gwen Stefani Producing DOROTHY Series, a ‘Contemporary Reimagining’ of THE WIZARD OF OZ

Wicked won’t be the last modern retelling of the L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz that we’ll see on our screens. According to Deadline, Prime Video is developing Dorothy, a contemporary retelling of The Wizard of Oz in series form, from creator Gina Matthews and producers Gwen Stefani and her husband, Blake Shelton. The award-winning musicians share the title of “non-writing executive producers.” Deadline describes Dorothy as “a contemporary, music-infused YA retelling of The Wizard of Oz based on L. Frank Baum’s books, using the Yellow Brick Road as a metaphor for the challenges and choices facing young adults today.”Interscope Records/Warner Bros.

In a statement about the Dorothy series, Matthews said, “I’ve been in love with The Wizard of Oz books since I was a child. The story reminds us of the qualities we need to get through hard times, and Dorothy is a symbol of strength who shows us that with a little kindness—and a lot of grit—we can not only achieve great things but also lift-up those around us. I’m excited to bring that message to the world, now more than ever.” Gwen Stefani added about Dorothy, “It’s a creative and modern take on a classic. And being part of something that blends music, emotion, and the character of Dorothy is inspiring to me.”

The Wizard of Oz has had more “contemporary reimaginings” than almost any other property. The combination of its iconic status and the fact that it is in the public domain makes it catnip for Hollywood producers. But for every Wicked, there’s a Tin Man, or The Witches of Oz. Then there’s Emerald City, the series where Andor’s Adria Arjona starred in a pricey modern retelling that almost no one remembers now. So Dorothy might just become another one of these “contemporary reimaginings” that end up tossed on the series pile and squashed under a falling house. New Line announced a Wizard of Oz reimagining just a few years ago that seems to have quietly died. But who knows? Maybe Gwen Stefani’s Dorothy series is the next Wicked, and finally, another Oz continuation can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the 1939 classic. We’ll have to wait and see.

The post Gwen Stefani Producing DOROTHY Series, a ‘Contemporary Reimagining’ of THE WIZARD OF OZ appeared first on Nerdist.

Ewan McGregor Wants ANDOR Season 3 So He Can Appear as Obi-Wan Kenobi

Andor‘s second and final season secured the Disney+ show’s place in TV history. It’s not just the best Star Wars series ever. It’s one of the best series of any kind ever. The prequel also delivered a moving and poignant farewell to its titular rebel, who ended the show on the way to his final, fatal mission in Rogue One. Only, Ewan McGregor isn’t happy about any of that. It’s not that he hated the way the show ended. He hated that it ended at all. He finally caught up on Andor and loved it so much he wants Disney to make a season three so he can appear as Obi-Wan Kenobi.Lucasfilm

During an appearance at Fan Expo Canada (we first learned about at IGN), McGregor shared both his love for Andor and his disappointment it’s done. McGregor explained that he always comes to things “later” even after people recommend something. (Celebrities – they’re just like us!) And that while he was catching up on Andor, he became hopeful his Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi could appear on a third season of the Star Wars show because it takes place right before A New Hope. “I was super excited, and then I realized, ‘Oh no,'” he said.

Alas, for all of us, both viewer and iconic Jedi alike, Andor is done and will not be getting a season three. Or is it? Fittingly for Star Wars McGregor isn’t giving up hope. “There’s always a chance that maybe there’s a story that’s happening at the same time where it kind of crosses over,” he said. “So there’s always a chance if Disney is listening — hypothetically, hypothetically. Come on, Disney.”

Lucasfilm

He’s not wrong, but any sort of crossover wouldn’t take place on a hypothetical third season of Andor. Not unless Lucasfilm retcons Obi-Wan Kenobi into the end of Rogue One and he uses the Force to keep Cassian from the Death Star blast.

….Hey….wait a sec….no. Cassian Andor’s story is one that deserves to keep its perfect ending. Maybe next time, old Ben Kenobi can keep up to date on the best Star Wars show ever.

The post Ewan McGregor Wants ANDOR Season 3 So He Can Appear as Obi-Wan Kenobi appeared first on Nerdist.