Chris Hardwick's Blog, page 257

X-MEN ’97 Creator Beau DeMayo Fired By Marvel, Both Parties Issue New Statements

In a shocking twist, X-Men ’97 Head Writer Beau DeMayo was fired by Marvel just eight days before the series’ first episodes aired. However, since Beau DeMayo’s firing, X-Men ’97 achieved massive popularity. Where does that leave the series and its writer? Both Marvel and DeMayo recently issued new statements on the events surrounding DeMayo’s exit from the series.

Marvel StudiosX-Men ’97 Creator Beau DeMayo Has Been Fired By Marvel

In a shocking turn of events, X-Men ’97‘s creator and head writer Beau DeMayo has been fired by Marvel Studios, reports The Hollywood Reporter. The publication notes that “Marvel and DeMayo suddenly parted ways. His company email was deactivated and cast and crew were informed he was no longer on the project.” DeMayo’s Instagram was deactivated but has since returned. No reason for the firing has been released.

How Will Beau DeMayo Be Involved in X-Men ’97 Season 2?

DeMayo recently took to Twitter to clarify how he would be involved in season two of X-Men ’97 after his initial firing.

This is why I’ve said I can’t really speak to Season 2. But, looking forward to seeing the final product with you all whenever it airs. I have high hopes.

— Beau DeMayo (@BeauDemayo) May 17, 2024

DeMayo shares of his work on season two of X-Men ’97 in the past and future, “I did write a lot of season 2. However, unlike Season 1, I will not be heavily involved or leading production, cast records, design, editorial, post, music, etc., nor doing any production rewrites as it relates to the creative vision of the show.” DeMayo adds “This is why I’ve said I can’t really speak to Season 2. But, looking forward to seeing the final product with you all whenever it airs. I have high hopes.”

Marvel Studios Head of Streaming, Television, and Animation Addresses ExitMarvel Animation

Marvel Studios’ Brad Winderbaum, head of streaming, television, and animation, discussed Beau DeMayo’s exit from X-Men ’97 and its impact on the future of the series in May of 2024. He revealed that X-Men ’97 “will have a new head writer for season 3.” But Winderbaum additionally shared, “We are honoring Beau DeMayo’s ideas for the second season.”

Winderbaum notes he can’t discuss details but “can say that Beau had real respect and passion for these characters and wrote what I think are excellent scripts that the rest of the team were able to draw inspiration from [to] build this amazing show that’s on screen.”

As to where X-Men ’97 is now, Winderbaum reveals, “I’ve now seen versions of animatics for the entire second season. Obviously, when you’re in that stage, there’s a lot of work to do. It’s editorial, but it’s also still iterative because there’s still story to be worked out when you put it on its feet in that way. We’re going to start development on the third season very soon. And, yeah, we’re trying to figure out who is going to be that voice on the page, but luckily—that’s going to come as a surprise—there’s many talented X-Men fans, excellent writers.”

DeMayo and Marvel Studios Issue New Statements on DeMayo’s Firing and Season 2 Status

Despite the more amicable-sounding comments in May, both DeMayo and Marvel recently released new statements on the matter of Beau DeMayo’s firing from X-Men ’97 and whether he would be credited for future seasons. Seemingly reacting to an update from Marvel that he would not be credited for season two of X-Men ’97, DeMayo shared the following on Twitter.

Above is #XMen fan-art I posted on Instagram for Gay Pride in June. On June 13, #Marvel sent a letter notifying me that they’d stripped my Season 2 credits due to the post. Sadly, this is the latest in a troubling pattern I suffered through while on working on #XMen97 and #Blade.

— Beau DeMayo (@BeauDemayo) August 16, 2024

A Marvel Studios spokesperson responded with an official statement from the company about the firing of DeMayo from X-Men ’97, which notes, “Mr. DeMayo was terminated in March 2024 following an internal investigation. Given the egregious nature of the findings, we severed ties with him immediately, and he has no further affiliation with Marvel.”

In response to this, DeMayo wrote, “The truth will be revealed. After their Disney Plus disaster, Marvel wants to mislead with alleged contract breaches over tweets. It’s tragic it’s come to this but unsurprising. Stay tuned.”

Who Will Write X-Men ’97 Season 3?

Reportedly, replacing Beau DeMayo on X-Men ’97 season three will be Matthew Chauncey. There is no word yet on what the season will look like or what will feature in its plot.

Originally published on May 17, 2024.

The post X-MEN ’97 Creator Beau DeMayo Fired By Marvel, Both Parties Issue New Statements appeared first on Nerdist.

James Gunn Teases Mysterious DC Symbol, Is It Aquaman or A.R.G.U.S.?

DC Studios co-head James Gunn loves to tease the future of the DCU on social media, and he just teased something that might have serious implications down the line. And it might not be what it look like at first glance. On Twitter, Gun shared a logo of an “A” shape, that looks kind of like Aquaman’s symbol. He also included an emoji of a merman, further suggesting the King of Atlantis is making his DCU debut. However, this logo actually matches another one from DC Comics—that of the organization A.R.G.U.S. You can check out the logo down below:

🧜‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/TxPM87Grdv

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) August 15, 2024

A.R.G.U.S. stands for “The Advanced Research Group Uniting Superhumans” or “Advanced Research Group United Support.” It’s a government organization that uses people with powers for their own objectives. In the comics, it’s usually led by Amanda Waller, or sometimes, Wonder Woman’s boyfriend Steve Trevor. The image Gunn shared looks like it’s from a set, so it could be something we see in Superman. However, since that wrapped filming recently, it’s more likely from Peacemaker season two. Maybe it’s something from the upcoming streaming series starring Viola Davis as Amanda Waller. Heck, maybe the merman emoji means, in Gunn’s DCU, Aquaman is in charge of A.R.G.U.S! (Probably not though).

DC Comics

A.R.G.U.S. was created by Geoff Johns during the New 52 era of DC Comics in 2012. They were intended as the parent organization of such DC government operations as Checkmate and the Suicide Squad. A.R.G.U.S. appeared in several Arrowverse shows, like Arrow, The Flash, and Legends of Tomorrow. The DCEU had a version of A.R.G.U.S. too, mentioned in Batman v. Superman and Suicide Squad. The first season of Peacemaker has already mentioned the organization, along with Waller’s connection to it. Hopefully, we’ll know soon just how A.R.G.U.S. factors into James Gunn’s plans for the DCU.

The post James Gunn Teases Mysterious DC Symbol, Is It Aquaman or A.R.G.U.S.? appeared first on Nerdist.

THE RINGS OF POWER’s Trystan Gravelle on Political Theory and Pharazôn’s Rise

Not all is well in Númenor. Season one of The Rings of Power saw Queen Regent Míriel lead Númenóreans to Middle-earth at Galadriel’s request. The expedition ended in war and many Númenórean lives lost. As you can imagine, Míriel’s choice, along with the passing of her father the King, causes any rifts existing in Númenor society to expand. And her cousin and advisor Pharazôn is all too ready to take advantage of those rifts.

While visiting the set of The Rings of Power season two with a small group of journalists, we talked with actor Trystan Gravelle about Númenor needing a zhuzh and Pharazôn’s scheming. Don’t worry, we won’t get into Second Age spoilers.

Prime Video

We know where Pharazôn ends up and we saw him starting to head that direction in season one. Where do things pick up in season two?

Trystan Gravelle: In season two there’s a bit of rebuilding of image. They’ve gone into a war that initially he didn’t want to go into. I think there was a bit of a rude awakening for everybody, that I guess they’ve always been touted as a thalassocracy, Númenor has. The whole place has become slightly sclerotic maybe, with rot kicking in. I think there needs to be a little bit of a zhuzh-up in the kingdom there. This is where Pharazôn comes into it. Not only have they lost the war that they went over with their expeditionary force to win, but they’ve been embarrassed as well in that the Queen Regent has lost her sight.

So, Númenor doesn’t look good with regards to whoever else might be out there. Because we’ve been so insular, maybe it’s time to maybe get on the front foot with things. That’s where he is at the moment, or where his mind is. He’s not the king of Númenor, but that’s where his mind is. He has to put pieces in play.

Season one had some of the politicking side of Númenor. Can we expect more high court drama in season two?

Gravelle: You’ll definitely see some from Pharazôn, because there’s such a difference between Míriel and Elendil. With Pharazôn, he knows that you have to indulge in the dark arts. He’s a great believer in maybe the ends justifies the means. And being a sea captain himself, or an ex-sea captain, I mean, he would probably have been there, done it, got the T-shirt, and is going like, “Well, actually sometimes you do need to get your hands dirty. And it’s not just about honor and stuff.”

I read a brilliant book by David Frye called Walls. It is about people who lived inside walls in the civilizations that they built, and then the so-called barbarians on the outside that didn’t need to build walls. And there’s definitely a difference of perspective in how they see the world. When you build these walls, you can become your reputation, or what you have inside those, counts for nothing in the outside world. So, it’s up to you to build that again. Then there comes a fear, I think, and there’s a lot to lose because you become more cognizant of this civilization that you’ve built where it’s not just about survival and move on. A part of your consciousness now is in these stones, is in this set place that you’ve built for yourselves. And so the height that you fall from is greater.

I went off on a tangent there. Yes, [there will be more politicking] and a lot of image building.

Prime Video

You mentioned Queen Regent Míriel. What can you tell us a little bit about her and Pharazôn’s relationship? Especially in the wake of what happened in Middle-earth.

Gravelle: With all families, I think there’s always a bit of healthy competition, as well as love and everything. Even with whatever schadenfreude you may feel sometimes. If you see somebody trip up, there’s always a greater thing of who you are as a person and why did you feel that. And Pharazôn, I don’t think, is some psychopath or anything. His perspective is different, and that’s what’s apparent here, is that Tar-Palantir or Ar-Inziladun were part of the faithful. I think that’s about appeasing old traditions, and I think it’s holding Númenor back. So, there’s a frustration there and a clash of ideals.

I guess you’re a swan on the surface, but underneath there’s the scheming, there’s the paddling, and all the ugly stuff going on underneath. That’s on both sides as well. There’s always going to be a level of insecurity and mistrust after what’s happened. Because there is, it’s embarrassing that we’ve come back with a tail between the legs, this great empire, so we thought.

Míriel trusted the Elves, trusted Galadriel. Is this a further wedge between the Númenoreans and the Elves?

Gravelle: I think it’s a huge thing, that you led your people into a war where they got embarrassed. I know you’re still Queen, but you need help. You’re dependent on people. And also as well, if that gets out, that there’s this great empire that’s not what everybody thought they were, I mean, what does that mean? Are we going to have ships sailing by our shores? And there’s all these questions, the geopolitics comes up again. So yes, it’s definitely a cause for concern.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season two premieres with three episodes on Prime Video on August 29.

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

The post THE RINGS OF POWER’s Trystan Gravelle on Political Theory and Pharazôn’s Rise appeared first on Nerdist.

THE RINGS OF POWER’s Cynthia Addai-Robinson on Queen Regent Mìriel’s Season 2 Journey

Queen Regent Mìriel chose to follow Galadriel across the sea to Middle-earth in season one of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. She led her people from Númenor to the Southlands, right into a war. Things did not go in their favor, and especially not in Mìriel’s favor. When Nerdist visited The Rings of Power season two set with a small group of reporters, we talked with Cynthia Addai-Robinson about what’s ahead for Mìriel and her kingdom.

Prime Video

When season two begins, how is Mìriel processing everything that happened?

Cynthia Addai-Robinson: Where do I even begin? At the end of season one, we find Mìriel in a very vulnerable position. Not only has she lost her sight, she has been defeated in battle. Many Númenórean lives were lost. Her father, the king, has passed. That’s a lot to end on. So really, season two, specifically to Mìriel and Númenor, is trying to find strength in loss. There are a lot of implications for how people feel around her taking Númenóreans into battle.

In season one, we were already starting to see divisions in [Númenórean] society. There’s a deepening of that as we continue into season two—so lots of very dramatic things. And on top of that, in season one we see Queen Regent Mìriel. It stands to reason that with the king’s passing there would be a progression of things.

What are the challenges of building and playing a character when you and the audience know the journey?

Addai-Robinson: Obviously, the meatiest roles allow you to demonstrate vulnerability and strength simultaneously. You welcome the challenge and obviously you want to give it something that feels relatable. Here we are in this fantastical Middle-earth, but a lot of the things that Mìriel is navigating, or any character in a giant genre story navigates, are things that are understandable. The passing of a loved one, civil strife—things that I think are particularly resonant right now.

It’s also a place to think on these things for myself, just as a human being. It’s a place to put those feelings. Certainly when I first started on this journey as the character of Mìriel in the midst of lockdown and an ever-changing world, it was a place that felt safe for me because I just had a swirling storm of thoughts and feelings on any given day. But what I really appreciate and love about Mìriel is that sense of integrity and strength. She’s a moral compass for her people. At the end of the day, the decisions that she’s navigating are bigger than her. It’s really about guiding her people and trying to make the best decisions and choices for society, not just for herself.

Was there anything you learned from season one that you wanted to carry with you into season two?

Addai-Robinson: Once you’ve got a first season of a series under your belt, you’ve had a lot of intensive time spent with a character, spent in a world, spent with your fellow characters and castmates. You want to approach a season two and beyond trusting in all of those things. We put a lot of work and thought and heart into making sure that we were representing this story in the most honest way that we could. A lot of us have ownership over these characters. We feel a sense of protecting them and shepherding them, not just through the story, but just out there in the world.

Ben Rothstein/Prime Video

Mìriel developed what seemed like a friendship with Elendil in season one. What can you share about their relationship in season two?

Addai-Robinson: You’re going to see a continuation of this dynamic of two people who have both experienced profound loss and are now trying to really have that sense of, “Let us not have this loss be in vain.” It’s really an exploration of, I would say, their worldview within Middle-earth. As they’re returning to Númenor with those divisions in society and those differing worldviews, you’re going to see how the second season navigates that.

For the two of them specifically, it’s a dynamic that my lovely dear Lloyd Owen and I have enjoyed exploring. We really wanted to make sure that with these two characters, that their relationship from where it starts in season one, very unsuspectingly, and how it continues to progress through the second season, that there really is a change. These people are forever changed by their circumstances.

How did Mìriel losing her sight affect the physicality of your performance in season two?

Addai-Robinson: I was told early on that this would be something that happens to Mìriel. And in fact, I started my first day with one of the scenes where I was already blind. So it was an interesting way of working where I had to start with some of those scenes, then I jumped back to the beginning, and then jumped back to working with the blind element. The difference now is she has acclimated to this situation. There’s this sense of not wanting to have this be something that people can perceive as a weakness in her ability to lead, that there is an awareness as a leader that there’s a perception of conveying strength and representing that for your people, for society.

At the end of season one, you see Elendil and Mìriel and he’s still going to be at her side. Ultimately it’s an exploration of working with someone where it isn’t about depending on them, but they both need each other in this moment to help each other see figuratively and literally. That’s a really interesting and beautiful thing that we get to further explore as the season goes on.

But in terms of the physicality of it and returning to that place, I was mindful of, at this point, she has made it her mission to learn to move through the world in a new way. So, it isn’t about struggling through that so much as acclimating to it, if you know what I mean. That was probably true for me as well.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season two premieres with three episodes on Prime Video on August 29.

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

The post THE RINGS OF POWER’s Cynthia Addai-Robinson on Queen Regent Mìriel’s Season 2 Journey appeared first on Nerdist.

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET Gets a 4K Ultra HD 40th Anniversary Release

Forty years ago, writer/director Wes Craven unleashed one of the most enduring horror franchises of all time with A Nightmare on Elm Street. With his 1984 film, Craven catapulted actor Robert Englund into horror icon status thanks to his turn as dream stalker Freddy Krueger, and changed slasher films forever. Seven sequels and one remake later, nothing can top the original. To celebrate forty years of Freddy, Warner Bros. is releasing the original film in 4K UHD this October. You can check out a new trailer for the upcoming 4K digital and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release right here:

This new 4K remaster includes both the 1984 theatrical version of the film and an uncut version with eight seconds of additional unrated footage. The uncut version of A Nightmare on Elm Street only had a previous VHS release decades ago. All the special features from the previous Blu-ray are on this new disc. These include Freddy Focus Points, The House that Freddy Built: The Legacy of New Line Horror, and Never Sleep Again: A Nightmare on Elm Street. There are also two vintage commentary tracks, both featuring the late, great Wes Craven, along with cast and crew. Below you can see cover art for the standard edition and the limited edition Steelbook.

New Line Cinema/Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

Hopefully Warner Bros. gives the rest of A Nightmare on Elm Street‘s franchise a similar 4K treatment soon. Especially the third installment Dream Warriors, one of the best slasher sequels ever made. And let’s not neglect Wes Craven’s New Nightmare. That was the iconic director’s first attempt at a meta slasher film, released two years before Scream. Heck, just give us a complete A Nightmare on Elm Street box set. It’s high time that the Springwood Slasher got his proper due on home releases.

A Nightmare on Elm Street will be available for purchase Digitally in 4K Ultra HD on October 1, and on 4K UHD Blu-ray Disc on October 15 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

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

The post A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET Gets a 4K Ultra HD 40th Anniversary Release appeared first on Nerdist.

Rufus Wainwright Sings Tom Bombadil’s Song from THE RINGS OF POWER Season 2

The Rings of Power season one swept onto our screens in the summer of 2022, and it made quite an impact. In fact, at Nerdist, we felt it was one of the best shows of the year. And although we are still thinking about season one of the show, things are already ramping up on season two of The Rings of Power. The Rings of Power didn’t exactly leave us on a cliffhanger, but we are still on the edge of our seats, ready to dive back into its world.

Prime Video

Among other things, war is coming to Middle-earth. A release for season two of The Rings of Power notes, “This season features the long-awaited Siege of Eregion, a definitive battle in J.R.R. Tolkien’s history of the Second Age of Middle-earth, from which not everyone makes it out alive. The banners are raised, and the devastating war against Sauron is just beginning.” Very ominous.

Here’s everything we know so far about the next season of The Rings of Power.

The Rings of Power Season Two’s Plot

The Rings of Power concluded season one on a few very dramatic notes, setting the stage for season two. Of course, Halbrand revealed himself to be none other than Sauron in disguise. When we last saw the dark lord, he was simply walking into Mordor, no doubt on the way to mete out some vengeance on his wayward followers. Meanwhile, Galadriel, Elrond, and Celebrimbor proceeded to form the elven Rings of Power despite knowing the idea came from a source of evil. And we feel it’s likely the Dwarves might know about the rings sooner rather then later.

Prime Video

An official synopsis for season two reveals more about the The Rings of Power‘s upcoming season, it notes:

In Season Two of The Rings of Power, Sauron has returned. Cast out by Galadriel, without army or ally, the rising Dark Lord must now rely on his own cunning to rebuild his strength and oversee the creation of the Rings of Power, which will allow him to bind all the peoples of Middle-earth to his sinister will. Building on Season One’s epic scope and ambition, the new season plunges even its most beloved and vulnerable characters into a rising tide of darkness, challenging each to find their place in a world that is increasingly on the brink of calamity. Elves and dwarves, orcs and men, wizards and Harfoots… as friendships are strained and kingdoms begin to fracture, the forces of good will struggle ever more valiantly to hold on to what matters to them most of all… each other.

Behind the ScenesPrime Video

Showrunners and executive producers J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay return to helm season two of The Rings of Power. Also returning is director Charlotte Brändström. Sanaa Hamri and Louise Hooper will also join as directors on season two of The Rings of Power. They will each direct two episodes.

Rufus Wainwright joins forces with Bear McCreary for The Rings of Power season two, specifically for Tom Bombadil’s song. The video above teases the song, as well as the making of it.

The Rings of Power Season Two’s Cast

The entire main cast of The Rings of Power which includes Morfydd Clark, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Charlie Vickers, Robert Aramayo, and more, is expected to return for season two, with the exception of two major characters.

Prime Video

Firstly, Nazanin Boniadi recently revealed she would not return as Bronwyn in season two of The Rings of Power.

Ben Rothstein/Prime Video

Secondly, Joseph Mawle will not return as the tragic but trecherous orc father, Adar, instead, the role has been recast. Sam Hazeldine will take on the role of Adar in the second season of The Rings of Power season two.

Prime Video

Joining Hazeldine are fourteen new actors. No new roles or characters have yet been revealed. The new cast of The Rings of Power season two includes: Gabriel Akuwudike, Yasen ‘Zates’ Atour, Ben Daniels, Amelia Kenworthy, Nia Towle, Nicholas Woodeson, Oliver Alvin-Wilson, Stuart Bowman, Gavi Singh Chera, William Chubb, Kevin Eldon, Will Keen, Selina Lo, and Calam Lynch.

Prime Video

Rory Kinnear has also been cast as Tom Bombadil.

The Rings of Power Season Two’s Release DatePrime Video

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season two will premiere with its first three episodes on August 29. It will then release episodes weekly with its finale landing on October 3.

Originally published on May 8, 2023.

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

The post Rufus Wainwright Sings Tom Bombadil’s Song from THE RINGS OF POWER Season 2 appeared first on Nerdist.

Camila Mendes Will Play Teela in Live-Action MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE Movie at Amazon

The live-action Masters of the Universe finally has a release date and a new home with Amazon MGM Studios. After the long-gestating Mattel film bounced from Sony to Netflix to the dark universe of cancellation, fans were not sure if they’d ever see He-Man’s sword and iconic bob come to the big screen. The last live-action film was way back in 1987, so we are certainly due for another round. Now we know that it is happening. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the live-action Masters of the Universe movie will release worldwide on June 5, 2026. That is still a long wait, so hopefully, this movie delivers the goods for fans. 

The CW/Mattel

Camila Mendes, whom many of us know as Veronica from Riverdale, will portray Teela in this film. She’s the Captain of the Royal Guard at Eternos’ palace and trains Prince Adam of Eternia.

The movie already revealed that Nicholas Galitzine will play He-Man in the long-awaited movie. We previously learned that Kyle Allen would star as He-Man, but that, it seems, is no longer the case. Nicholas Galitzine, who recently acted in Red, White, and Royal Blue and The Idea of You, will now play He-Man in the live-action Masters of the Universe film.

Starz/Netflix

Other casting details for the movie are unknown at this time; however, Travis Knight will direct this Masters of the Universe live-action film with Chris Butler penning the script. Mattel Films’ Robbie Brenner and Escape Artists’ Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch are producing. Masters of the Universe has been around over forty years, first making its action figure debut in 1982 with a popular animated TV series to follow, so we’ll be excited to see where this live-action movie goes.

Mattel

Here’s a synopsis of what fans can expect in the film: 

10-year-old Prince Adam crashed to Earth in a spaceship and was separated from his magical Power Sword—the only link to his home on Eternia. After tracking it down almost two decades later, Prince Adam is whisked back across space to defend his home planet against the evil forces of Skeletor. But to defeat such a powerful villain, Prince Adam will first need to uncover the mysteries of his past and become He-Man: the most powerful man in the Universe!

When Will the Live-Action Masters of the Universe Movie Release?

As mentioned, this film is slated to release on June 5, 2026. Hopefully, it will not have to move around again.

For now, we will just have to wait and see if this return to Eternia packs a powerful nostalgia punch.

Originally published on May 2, 2024.

The post Camila Mendes Will Play Teela in Live-Action MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE Movie at Amazon appeared first on Nerdist.

THAT ’90S SHOW Surprise Returns with ‘Part 3’ in August

It’s time to pack up the station wagon and head back to Point Place, Wisconsin. Netflix’s That ’70s Show spinoff That ’90s Show is coming back for a second season. And it’s inviting a whole lot of familiar faces to hang out with Red and Kitty much sooner than we expected. That ’90s Show‘s season two part three isn’t dropping in October anymore, now it will release on August 22.

Originally, Netflix announced That ’90s Show “Part 3” (which is really just the second half of season two…yeah, it’s weird) will would arrive on October 24. But as mentioned, it’s coming back much sooner than that. Here’s the official That ’90s Show season two, part three synopsis from Netflix:

It’s 1996 and Leia Forman is back in Point Place for another summer of fun with her friends and grandparents, Kitty and Red. Part 3 picks up right back in the Forman kitchen – where Red and Kitty return from Paris to find a giant hole in the wall. And this isn’t even the biggest crisis Leia has to face. New relationships are formed, old ones move to the next level. Friendships are tested and just when things seem to be working out, a blast from the past returns to blow it all up again.  With Summer break winding down, the gang has to come to terms with Leia leaving them again, but this time she’s not going without a fight.

Netflix

That ’90s Show comes from creators Bonnie Turner, Terry Turner, Lindsey Turner, and Gregg Mettler. Mettler also serves a showrunner. It stars Kurtwood Smith, Debra Jo Rupp, Callie Haverda, Ashley Aufderheide, Mace Coronel, Maxwell Acee Donovan, Reyn Doi, and Sam Morelos. The trailer for Part Three of That ’90s Show also reveals the return of Eric Foreman’s nemesis, Mitch, played by Seth Green. Don Stark, Laura Prepon, Andrea Anders, Kevin Smith, Mike “The Miz” Mizanin, Jim Rash, and Jason Mewes also guest star.

Netflix

That’s a pretty good group to hang out with in any decade. We just hope nobody ends getting a foot up their…well, if you’re still reading you already know.

Originally published on May 13, 2024.

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

The post THAT ’90S SHOW Surprise Returns with ‘Part 3’ in August appeared first on Nerdist.

THE RINGS OF POWER Is Available for Free on Samsung TV

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is gearing up for its second season on Prime Video. The series captured audiences’ hearts with a fresh story set during Middle-earth’s Second Age. Now, ahead of its next season, The Rings of Power’s first season is coming to Samsung TV Plus for many more to enjoy. It will only be there starting today through August 28 but it is a way to draw in even more fans, indeed. 

Prime Video

According to Deadline, the first season is available for free for Samsung TV and Galaxy owners in the U.S., Canada, Brazil, the UK, and Germany. 

“We are pleased to have expanded our partnership with Prime Video to make Samsung TV Plus the only destination to watch season one of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power for free, ahead of the season two premiere,” said Salek Brodsky, Samsung TV Plus Senior Vice President and General Manager. “Nearly 300 million Samsung TV and Galaxy owners will have the opportunity to discover or catch-up on this hit series, while continuing to enjoy free access to one of the world’s largest offerings of live tv channels and popular titles on-demand.”

If you haven’t had a chance to check out The Rings of Power for free, then you’ll want to see season one on Samsung TV Plus. And when you are done, check out everything you need to know about season two here.

The post THE RINGS OF POWER Is Available for Free on Samsung TV appeared first on Nerdist.

Why DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Should Be Hugh Jackman’s Final Film as Wolverine

Deadpool & Wolverine didn’t reveal whether or not Hugh Jackman will return to the MCU. But should he? Or should the box office smash serve as his farewell to Logan? There’s a great case for him to return for more superhero fun, but there’s an equally compelling case for him to put away his adamantium claws for good. So we’re making both. In this piece Mikey Walsh argues why Deadpool & Wolverine should be Jackman’s last time as playing the iconic character. Meanwhile Eric Diaz made the case for why this should only be the start of Jackman’s MCU career.

The best stories end. A definitive conclusion provides a type of satisfaction, meaning, and purpose that open-ended or unfinished narratives can’t. That’s what Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine deserves, an ending worthy of his time in the role, because it’s one of Hollywood’s best, most important stories. And he’ll never get a better, more appropriate chance to close the book on Logan than Deadpool & Wolverine. The movie is one of the most successful films of all-time. It’s also arguably Jackman’s single best performance as the character. But the best reason for him to finally bid farewell to the iconic mutant for good is that it would bring his story full circle in the most fitting way. He’ll say goodbye as the center of the world’s most successful franchise, which only exists because of him.

Marvel Studios

There is no MCU without Fox’s X-Men movies. Before the original 2000 film no one knew if general audiences would turn out for superhero movies unless they starred the most famous comic book characters like Superman and Batman. Fox took a big risk on Marvel’s mutants. The studio didn’t even think people would accept comic-accurate superhero costumes back then. Without X-Men and its many sequels, the Marvel Cinematic Universe simply wouldn’t exist. At least not the way we know it. Fox’s franchise showed viewers would learn to care about lesser known comic book characters. The series’ many mistakes also provided lessons the MCU learned from to make something even better.

But none of that happens without Jackman, who was a last second replacement as Logan. In a franchise built around a team he was the anchor. Wade Wilson was 100% right in Deadpool & Wolverine when he said Wolverine was “THE X-Man” in his world. Jackman was so important he starred in the only three pure standalone X-Men Fox films.

Marvel Studios

Without him there’s no X-Men franchise, just one unimportant movie. Without the X-Men franchise there’s no MCU. It’s that simple. So what better place for his story to come full circle and actually end than in a record-setting MCU film where he gives an incredible performance? He’s at the top of the top. There’s nowhere else for him to go now as Wolverine but down. Even if he joins Secret Wars he’ll be just one character of many. He’ll never again own the MCU spotlight like does in Deadpool & Wolverine. Then the multiverse will reset and someone else will take over the role entirely.

Now’s the time—after a movie that not only finally let him wear his comics-accurate suit, but that fully captured why people love the character so much—for him to call it quits. Not because he doesn’t have more to give, or because we don’t want to see him again. (He does and selfishly we do.) The best of the best deserve the best ending, and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine isn’t just an all-time great pairing of actor and character. He didn’t just provide more than two decades of joy for audience members. He changed the course of cinematic history. He’s on the superhero movie Mount Rushmore. Conquering the MCU was the last thing left for him to do in the role. He deserves a superhero’s farewell.

Marvel Studios

Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine is one of the best stories in Hollywood history. More than anyone he deserved to join the MCU, because there are few the MCU owes more than him. And he deserves the very best the MCU can give him. It’ll never give him anything better than a chance to go out when he’s still the best Wolverine.

Are you now convinced Hugh Jackman should finally say goodbye to Wolverine? Don’t make up your mind until you read Eric Diaz’s case for why this should just be the start of his MCU run.

The post Why DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Should Be Hugh Jackman’s Final Film as Wolverine appeared first on Nerdist.