Chris Hardwick's Blog, page 23

Kumail Nanjiani Thought ETERNALS Would Lead to Ten More Years of MCU Work

It has been four years since Marvel Studios released Eternals. While there were some viewers who appreciated this story, there seemed to be even more who were not into this film. Unfortunately, it did not land well with critics nor did it do numbers at the box office. It’s sad because there are some cool characters who would be awesome to see in Phase 6 in other projects. An MCU future is certainly what Kumail Nanjiani thought he would get after playing Kingo in Eternals because he signed up to be in six movies over ten more years, apparently. Marvel Studios

He dropped this rather surprising information during an interview on the Working It Out podcast. “[Eternals] came out, it got really bad reviews, and it didn’t do that well. It shattered me too much,” he said. “That’s when I was like, ‘Oh, I need to go to therapy to figure this out.’”

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Nanjiani continued, “I was like, ‘This is going to be my job for the next ten years.’ I signed on for six movies. I signed on for a video game. I signed on for a theme park ride. They make you sign on for all this stuff. You’re like, ‘This is the next ten years of my life. Okay, so I’ll be doing Marvel movies every year, and in between, I’ll do my own little things. Whatever I want to do.’”

Welp. At this point, it seems very unlikely that a sequel will happen. And there doesn’t seem to be plans to bring back any of the characters from that film. It almost feels as though it happened outside of the MCU canon at this point. Nanjiani previously said that he’s still open to portraying Kingo and maybe he will get that chance, even if it’s just a wild post-credits cameo.

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DEXTER: ORIGINAL SIN Prequel Series Not Getting a Season 2 After All

Despite decent ratings and an early season 2 renewal, it looks like the Dexter prequel series Dexter: Original Sin won’t be getting another season after all. The news comes via a report in Variety. No official reason was given by Showtime. However, it might simply be a casualty of the Skydance/Paramount merger, which has affected content on the network. With the currently running Dexter: Resurrection with original star Michael C. Hall now getting great reviews from fans and critics, it appears a second season of that show is certain. Perhaps Showtime realized that two competing Dexter Morgans would merely dilute the brand.Showtime

Set in 1991, Dexter: Original Sin premiered on Showtime in December 2024. Its last episode aired in February of this year. It starred Patrick Gibson as the younger version of America’s most lovable serial killer. Although he wasn’t on screen, Michael C. Hall provided the young Dexter’s inner monologue. The cast of Original Sin also included Molly Brown, Christina Milian, Christian Slater, James Martinez, Alex Shimizu, Reno Wilson, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Patrick Dempsey. We suppose any of these actors could return via flashback in future seasons of Dexter: Resurrection if the powers that be so choose.

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We’re just guessing here, but we have a feeling Showtime developed Original Sin at a time when Michael C. Hall’s commitment to the Dexter franchise was somewhat in doubt. After all, the character of Dexter Morgan seemed pretty dead at the end of the revival mini-series, Dexter: New Blood. But with Hall fully onboard as the Bay Harbor Butcher again, and the show well received by the fanbase? It looks like Showtime realized what Disney is realizing now with their Marvel and Star Wars IP; sometimes, you can have too much of a good thing. Original Sin may be over, but it seems Dexter as a franchise will never die.

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TMNT II 35th Anniversary Screenings Coming in 2026, Original TMNT Release Expands Another Week

Nerds of a certain age rejoiced when news broke that the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film would make a return to theaters. It was just a few weeks ago that Fathom Entertainment announced that Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael were returning for two nights only, August 17 and 20. But thanks to overwhelming fan demand, ticket sales for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 35th Anniversary have been strong. So strong, to the tune of $3.3 million in fact, that Fathom Entertainment and Warner Bros. have officially extended the screening another full week, to August 28.

And now, following the success of the original film’s re-release, Fathom and Warner Bros. have announced that the 1991 sequel, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze, will return to the big screen in March 2026. You can watch the announcement trailer for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze 35th Anniversary screenings below:

If you catch the original in theaters, you’ll also get to see the new Turtles Unmasked featurette. The creators of TMNT: Evolution produced this featurette that dives deep into the making of the movie, which came out at the peak of Turtlemania in 1990. It showcases some never-before-seen footage from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles archives, along with extended scenes, and home-recorded behind-the-scenes footage. There’s also a 1-on-1 interview and commentary with the film’s director, Steve Barron.

Warner Bros./Fathom Entertainment

Here’s what director Steve Barron had to say about why Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has stood the test of time:

I think because it’s truthful and honest. And where it’s a bit shoddy around the edges, or where it was hard to get things slick and smooth, it has those nuances that are still captivating. And I think you warm to it and it’s got heart, and that heart is very hard to do in CG—and there are some amazing CG films, but it’s hard to put that across and really make you care. I think it’s those nuances that really help it stay around this long, and still have new people coming to it. I mean it’s a superhero film at a time when superhero films were not plentiful, and there were lots of questions about them. I hope it stands on its own and stands the test of time because of course things have gotten more clever in technology terms, but in the end, you want to embrace it and I think its reality through thick and thin is what makes you embrace it.

Fathom Entertainment/Warner Bros.

According to the folks at Fathom, the response so far has been incredible. It’s looking like TMNT is gearing up to be the biggest movie anniversary release of the summer. Families, longtime fans, and a whole new generation are coming together to relive the beloved film on the big screen. Nothing beats seeing a beloved movie you grew up with in the theater with a bucket of popcorn. To get tickets, head on over to the official Fathom Entertainment website. Tickets for TMNT II will go on sale in early 2026.

New Line Cinema

Originally published on July 2025.

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Nicolas Cage May Take the Lead Role in TRUE DETECTIVE Season 5

For years, Nicolas Cage swore off working on TV, insisting he’s primarily a film actor. However, he’s softened on that stance in recent years. Especially as the lines between TV and film have blurred almost entirely. He’s starring in the upcoming Spider-Noir series from Prime Video, and now, according to a report from Deadline, he’s joining the fifth season of HBO’s anthology series True Detective. Cage is in talks for the lead role of Henry Logan, a New York City detective in the Jamaica Bay area, investigating a case at the center of the new season. Roadside Attractions/Lionsgate

Season five of True Detective will see the return of season four’s Issa Lopez as the series writer-showrunner. Her first season, subtitled Night Country, reinvigorated the iconic series after a rather long absence from the HBO schedule. The last two seasons of True Detective have featured an Oscar-winner in the leading role. Jodie Foster headlined season four, and Mahershala Ali starred in the third season. The fifth season will be no different, as Cage famously won an Academy Award for his starring role in Leaving Las Vegas.

Will there be a connection to Night Country this year, since it’s the same showrunner behind the scenes? Lopez set the previous installment in the freezing six-month night of Alaska. And this new one is in New York. But last year, Issa Lopez told the New York Post that “There’s going to be some important connections between everything that happens in Ennis, Alaska, and the characters in Ennis, Alaska, and what happens in the new [season]. That said, it’s a new story, new characters, everything.” There were connections in Night Country to the first season, so we expect something along those lines. Filming on season five of True Detective begins in 2026, for an eventual 2027 release on HBO.

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James Gunn Says His SUPERMAN Saga May Cover 4 Movies

DC Studios’ James Gunn is doing many interviews in the wake of the success of Superman, and the early critical acclaim for season two of Peacemaker. In recent interviews, Gunn has mentioned that he’s currently knee-deep in writing for the next chapter of his “Superman family saga,” leading most to believe that the next film is a Superman and Supergirl team-up project. Possibly with some other heroes in the Superman extended family. Now, in an interview with The Viall Files, Gunn mentioned that his “Superman Saga” featuring David Corenswet may contain four films total. Who needs trilogies? That’s so last decade.

The SUPERMAN SAGA may consist of FOUR films

Via @TheViallFiles | https://t.co/jmteksu8jV pic.twitter.com/BykvUpKkRs

— DCU Updates (@DCU_Updates) August 20, 2025

So what could the other two chapters in the Superman Saga be? If the follow-up film to Superman isn’t just “Superman II,” as Gunn has said, then we doubt the third and fourth parts of Clark’s journey are traditional Superman III and Superman IV movies. Besides, after the hideous Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, that numbering might be cursed. We think a third part will likely be something like Superman and Batman: World’s Finest, a proper team-up between DC’s two most iconic heroes. We’ve already had the two at each other’s throats in Batman v Superman, it’s time to see them as friends. Of course, we need a DCU Batman in The Brave and the Bold to come out first.

DC Studios

We think the logical conclusion to this four-film plan is a proper DCU Justice League film. After all, we already have a DCU Justice Gang. A proper Justice League seems only like a matter of time. We think that, unlike the previous DCEU, this would come after three Superman appearances on the big screen. Gunn is smart enough to know not to rush to the big team-up film. Having said that, Gunn might not count projects that don’t have the words “Superman” in the title as part of his saga. We don’t really know. But we’re excited for whatever Gunn is cooking up for the Man of Steel. Especially after nailing the character so well in Superman. All we ask is that Krypto get his due in each of these. We can’t not have Krypto, right?

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ANEMONE Trailer: Daniel Day-Lewis Comes Out of Retirement for Intense Mov

Daniel Day-Lewis is one of the greatest actors ever to walk the face of the Earth. He’s a three-time Academy Award winner, and has proven to the world he can nail every accent. The master thespian has actually retired twice. Once from 1997 to 2000 to become a shoemaker (which is more like a long sabbatical), and again in 2017. But he finally came out of his second acting retirement for a role in his son Ronan Day-Lewis’ directing debut, an intense drama called Anemone. Now, we have an ominous and heavy first trailer for Daniel Day-Lewis’ highly anticipated return project. You can watch the Anemone trailer down below:

So what exactly does this moody Anemone trailer tell us about the film? Well, from what we can gather, Daniel Day-Lewis plays a former soldier who has exiled himself for twenty years. We don’t really know why, but we’re guessing he did some pretty bad stuff that wracks him with guilt. At some point, his estranged brother goes out to find him. According to the official synopsis that comes with the trailer, Anemone “Explores the complex and profound ties that exist between brothers, fathers, and sons.” Daniel Day-Lewis co-wrote the film with his son. So we can see that this one is a passion project for him. Anemone also co-stars Sean Bean and Samantha Morton.

Focus Features

After quitting acting after 2017’s The Phantom Thread, Daniel Day-Lewis put out a statement on his retirement. He assured his fans that this time, he meant it. But if anyone could coax the celebrated actor to return to the screen, we suppose it had to be family. Somehow, we have a feeling another Oscar nomination is in store after watching this Anemone trailer. Ronan Day Lewis’ Anemone is set to have its world premiere at the New York Film Festival, which kicks off Sept. 26 and runs through Oct. 13.

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LEGO WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Set Is Made from Pure Imagination

Are you ready to enter a world of pure imagination? If the answer is yes, you’re in luck. LEGO is joining forces with Warner Bros. for a brand-new Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Classic Movie Set. This new LEGO Ideas set brings the candy-colored world of the classic 1971 family classic to life in tiny brick form. This set also serves as both a gorgeous display piece and as an interactive build experience for fans of the iconic family film starring Gene Wilder. You can see several images of the new LEGO Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory set down below in our gallery:

LEGO Ideas Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Set Click To View Gallery Warner Bros./LEGO Ideas LEGO/Warner Bros. Warner Bros./LEGO LEGO/Warner Bros. LEGO Ideas/Warner Bros.

This Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory LEGO set includes nine minifigures total. Among them are Charlie Bucket, Grandpa Joe, Augustus Gloop, Mike Teavee, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, two Oompa Loompas, and of course, Mr. Wonka himself. The Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory LEGO build invites fans to recreate memorable scenes from the beloved film. The set was designed by Roberto Ceruti and Jody Padulano from Italy, as part of the LEGO Ideas program. It took them four to five months to complete the original build and include every delicious detail.

LEGO Ideas/Warner Bros.

All the details Will Wonka fans expect to see come included in this LEGO set. Coolest among them is a chocolate waterfall that LEGO builders set in motion with a turning dial. There’s also the famous Wonkatania boat made into LEGO bricks, where Willy Wonka and the five Golden Ticket winners can begin their journey. Augustus Gloop can drink from the chocolate river, and comes with an alternative chocolate-covered face for his minifigure. Additional features of the LEGO set include Willy Wonka’s office with a secret door, and a work area for the Oompa Loompas. Finally, there are several candy cane trees and lollipop plants.  

The LEGO Ideas Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Classic Movie Set is available for LEGO Insiders Early Access* starting September 15. It becomes available for all via LEGO.com/WillyWonka and LEGO Stores on September 18, 2025, priced at $219.99 USD.

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McDonald’s Is CUTTING Prices for Combo Meals

STOP the presses. We often say that the first streamer to offer a price cut instead of a price hike will instantly gain a ton of good will and many new subscribers. But a different kind of company has beaten streaming services to the punch. Yes. In a refreshing change, McDonald’s is offering a PRICE CUT on its combo meals. Evidently, the fast food giant is lowering its prices to prove to its customers that McDonald’s really is still affordable. And we honestly feel every other company should take note.McDonald’s

CNN reports that even the company’s CEO admitted that McDonald’ prices are just too high. Our minds are literally blown. In early August, McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski noted that consumers looking for good value are “too often” finding meals that cost over $10 at McDonald’s and that is “shaping value perceptions in a negative way.” He revealed, “We’ve got to get that fixed.”

And now it seems like McDonald’s will be following through on its price cutting pledge. CNN reports that, “McDonald’s and its US franchisees agreed to price eight popular combo meals at 15% less than the total cost of buying the items separately, with the chain offering financial support to franchisees if they agree to lower prices.” And we hope that those combo meals come in at under $10.

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We bet if McDonald’s does indeed cut their prices, they’re going to see a lot more spending from a lot more people. And other brands (ehm, streamers) should take some notes. People might pay a price hike, but it makes them resentful. Meanwhile, if a price cut came their way, like the one McDonald’s is planning, their vision of the brand might transform completely. And goodwill goes a long way. We’ll remain curious to see how exactly the McDonald’s price cuts play out. But we will applaud if they put their prices where their mouth is.

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SHREK x ColourPop Deliver Ogre-Chic Makeup Collection

Are you the person your friends and family come to when they have questions about Shrek? Do you feel loyal to Shrek? Maybe you’ve rewatched Shrek upwards of 50 times and can’t wait for Shrek 5 to hurry up and arrive. If so, then ColourPop has just the collection for you. But even if you’re just a casual Shrek lover, we must recommend you try out this ColourPop makeup collection, which puts the glam in swamp and brings all your fairytale dreams to life. And bonus, they’re Punny! Let’s take a deep dive into the new ColourPop x DreamWorks Shrek collection.ColourPop

ColourPop x DreamWorks Shrek collection Brings the Movie to Life with Shimmer and HumorColourPop

The truth is that Shrek is one of our most beautiful fairy tale movies to date. And it has the color palatte to make you look amazing. “Swampy greens, rich earth tones, and soft shimmers” come to life in this ColourPop x DreamWorks Shrek collection that is as irresistable as the ogre himself. But, of course, there’s a sweetness there, the sweetness of Donkey’s morning waffles. And while it would be neat if this were a flying, talking makeup collection, we’ll settle for glamerous and fun.

Director of Product Development at ColourPop Erin Lindsay shares of the Shrek collection, “Converting Shrek into a makeup collection was all about storytelling – translating iconic themes like swampy greens, fan-favorite fairytale characters, and humor into the shades and packaging. We worked closely with the DreamWorks team to honor the IP while ensuring the products stayed true to ColourPop’s high-quality formulas and playful DNA.”

We love a makeup collection with a sense of humor, and we LOVE this new ColourPop line. Here’s everything ColourPop x DreamWorks Shrek has to offer.

ColourPop x DreamWorks Shrek‘s Palatte and MoreBeware Ogre Eyeshadow PaletteColourPop

The official description of this ColourPop x DreamWorks Shrek palette shares, “Step into the swamp with 15 Matte, Metallic, Super Shock and Pearlescent Glitters in mossy greens, rich browns and pops of brights. Inspired by the first Shrek movie, this ultra-pigmented palette is embossed from cover to cover with iconic ogre emblems for maximum swampy vibes. – $24 USD”

We are also obsessed with the titles of the shadows in this palette. “That’ll do, Donkey.” A classic!

Ultra Glossy Lips in Ogre, Noble Steed, Ogress, and Short LordColourPop

We stan a short king, but we’re not sure about a short Lord. But every one of these glosses will give you your happy ending.

ColourPop shares of these delightfully Shrek lip glosses: “This sheer high-shine gloss is infused with Hyaluronic Acid in a pearlized finish for hydrated, glossy lips that don’t feel sticky. Inspired by Shrek, Donkey, Fiona and Lord Farquaad in four yummy flavors. – $10 USD each”

The Shrek Ultra Glossy Lips come in:

Ogre: Clear opal with golden, silver and green pearl (chocolate mud pie flavor)Noble Steed: Cool pink with a silvery sheen (waffle flavor)Ogress: Warm taupe (piña colada flavor)Short Lord: Rich berry (blueberry muffin flavor)ColourPop x DreamWorks Shrek Candy Lip Oil ColourPop

Not the gumdrop buttons! ColourPop shares, “This clear candy-flavored lip oil moisturizes & nourishes lips with a glossy finish. Inspired by everyone’s fave gingerbread man, Gingy, this lip oil includes a roller ball applicator and colourful beads hidden within. – $10 USD” It comes in Gumdrop Buttons a clear candy-flavored Gloss.

Dragon’s Keep Kit Is Deliciously DreamyColourPop

Your eyes need upkeep, just like a dragon. So get them this Dragon’s Keep hit from the ColourPop x DreamWorks Shrek collection. The description for this duo shares, “Up there, in the tower! Slay eye looks with this Dragon-inspired eye kit featuring ColourPop’s Multichrome BFF Creme Gel Liner and BFF Volumizing Mascara for fiery looks. – $14 USD”

And here’s what it contains in more detail.

Multichrome BFF Crème Gel Liner in Fire Breath: Golden burgundy with gold, bronze and olive multi-chrome finishBFF Volumizing Mascara in Dragon: Brownish redColourPop’s Ogres are Like Onions Glitterally Obsessed Body Glitter Gel Give Us That Shrek ShimmerColourPop

“Ogres are like onions” probably is the most iconic Shrek quote out there—so it’s only fitting that ColourPop included the name in this collection. The official description for this glitter reads, “Don’t cry, it’s just a little onion. This glitter-packed body gel is easy to use and mess-free, no glue needed. Inspired by the iconic onion phrase in Shrek – just layer it on! – $10 USD” The “Ogres are Like Onions” glitter is a peachy golden gel with rainbow glitter.

ColourPop x DreamWorks Shrek‘s Instant Crush Lip & Cheek Balm ColourPop

Just like Fiona, this balm takes two forms. But the most important one is the one that makes your heart flutter. This balm from the ColourPop Shrek collection is described as follows, “Get a fairytale flush with warm pink and berry shades of ColourPop’s hydrating multi-use balm for a buildable, dewy finish. Inspired by Fiona and the Fairytale Creatures, these limited-edition lip & cheek balms come in a Shrek-green compact. – $12 USD.”

The balm comes in:

True Love’s Form: Warm pinkFairytale Things: Warm berryColourPop x DreamWorks Shrek BundlesColourPop

You can also snag this collection in bundles, see below for what’s available:

ColourPop x DreamWorks Shrek Collection – Get the complete limited-edition ColourPop x DreamWorks Shrek collection! – $115 USDTotally Swamped – Get all 4 limited-edition shades of the Ultra Glossy Lips inspired by your favorite fairytale friends. – $36 USDShrek-spress Yourself – Get the Beware Ogre Eyeshadow Palette & the Candy Lip Oil for the full swamp effect. – $32 USDWhen Does the ColourPop x DreamWorks Shrek Collection ReleaseColourPop

The ColourPop x DreamWorks Shrek collection is out now on ColourPop’s website! Snag it today. If you’d like to buy this line on Amazon, the ColourPop x DreamWorks Shrek collection will go on sale on 9/4.

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THE BEAK AND BARREL First Look: PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN Tavern Opens Soon at Walt Disney World

At Nerdist, we have a very exclusive first look at Walt Disney World’s newest destination, The Beak and Barrel Tavern. This Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern opens on August 29th at the Magic Kingdom—but we got to go to Disney first so we could extend our telescope, and scope it out for you. And we can confirm The Beak and Barrel Tavern is worth hitting the high seas for. Not only is it stunning, with outrageous attention to detail, but it bridges the world of the movies and the ride, with Easter eggs for both EVERYWHERE. And that makes The Beak and Barrel tavern perfect for the casual pirate fan, an atmosphere afficendo, and the huge Pirates of the Caribbean buff in your life. Here’s Nerdist‘s exclusive early look at Walt Disney World’s The Beak and Barrel.Nerdist

The one thing we took away is that Walt Disney World’s Beak and Barrel Tavern is perfect for repeat visits. There’s so much to take in, you’d never be able to uncover all the treasure at once. We may even dare to say, it might be even better than Olga’s Cantina at Galaxy’s Edge because it’s even bigger.

Click To View Gallery Nerdist Nerdist Nerdist Nerdist Nerdist Nerdist

You can take a look at some more images and videos below.

In all The Beak and Barrel tavern includes The Mess, a lively place to be merry and tell tales (but beware The Brig), the Captain’s Quarters (an elegant area to experience the finer things in life), The Mapmaker’s Room (full of secrets from a crazed pirate cartographer) and, of course, The Captain’s Booths, which tell tales of adventure, danger, and dastardly deeds.

The Beak and Barrel’s booths especially caught our eye, and we adored the incredible level of decoration as they celebrated our favorite Pirates of the Caribbean captains.

Nerdist

On top of all of this delight, in our first look at Walt Disney World’s The Beak and Barrel, we noticed a veritable bounty of screen-accurate Pirates of the Caribbean props throughout the tavern. Those alone could keep your mateys busy for days. We’ll be back to go into the finer details of our experience as guests at The Beak and Barrel tavern, but we must say this: this space is as exquisite as we’ve seen, inside Walt Disney World and out.

(And we haven’t even gotten into the food!)

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