Chris Hardwick's Blog, page 352

STAR WARS: THE ACOLYTE Reveals June Release Date

The next few years are going to bring about many exciting Star Wars series to Disney+, including Ahsoka and further adventures for The Mandalorian and Andor. But one, in particular, announced in 2020, is The Acolyte. Here’s everything we know about this mysterious new live-action Star Wars series, set a century before the events of the Skywalker Saga.

Excitingly, The Acolyte finally has a release date. Lucasfilm has officially revealed the new Star Wars series will release on June 4th. We can’t wait to see more from The Acolyte very soon.

Here’s everything we know about The Acolyte.

LucasfilmTitle

The official title for the upcoming Lucasfilm Star Wars series is The Acolyte. Its official title may or may not wind up as Star Wars: The Acolyte.

The Acolyte’s PlotLucasfilm

When Disney officially announced the series back in December 2020, we got this official synopsis:

The Acolyte is a mystery-thriller that will take viewers into a galaxy of shadowy secrets and emerging dark-side powers in the final days of the High Republic era. A former Padawan reunites with her Jedi Master to investigate a series of crimes, but the forces they confront are more sinister than they ever anticipated. 

Since that time, we’ve learned that the drama unfolds about a century before the events of The Phantom Menace, during a time when the Sith were still in hiding, getting ready to make their move to take over the galaxy. Aside from canon novels, the High Republic is an era totally unexplored in any live-action or animated Star Wars projects.

Behind the ScenesBUILD Series

Leslye Headland is on board as writer and producer.

The Acolyte’s Cast

Production has begun on “The Acolyte,” an upcoming Original Star Wars series from Lucasfilm coming to @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/g6apnGXSmr

— Star Wars (@starwars) November 7, 2022

The Acolyte‘s cast is turning out better than we could have imagined. Playing the lead role in the show is Amandla Stenberg, recently seen in Bodies Bodies Bodies. Joining Stenberg are Lee Jung-jae, Manny Jacinto, Dafne Keen, Jodie Turner-Smith, Rebecca Henderson, Charlie Barnett, Dean-Charles Chapman, Carrie-Anne Moss, Margarita Levieva, and Joonas Suotamo. Suotamo is playing a Wookiee and Henderson will portray Vernestra Rwoh. This High Republic character was one of the youngest ever to become Jedi Knight. Of course, we’ll see her much older in this Star Wars series.

Christian BlackThe Acolyte‘s Release Date

The Acolyte will release on June 4, 2024.

Originally published on May 10, 2023.

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THE WALKING DEAD: THE ONES WHO LIVE Gives Rick Grimes Renewed Motivation

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Episode four of The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live is the one that fans, especially Richonners, have dreamed of for a very, very long time. In The Walking Dead, we got some pretty hot moments between Rick and Michonne. But we never quite the level of, ahem, intimacy that Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira’s chemistry begs for. That talk aside, Michonne (rightly) elected to not immediately tell Rick about his son Rick, Jr. (More on that later.) Would they finally get on the same page about escaping? Can Rick actually break completely free from his fear and deep programming? This episode, brilliantly written by Danai Gurira, gives us answers to all of that. 

Rick and Michonne Reconcile in All the Right WaysAMC

Imagine being separated from your spouse or love for years and thinking you’d never see them again. Fate brings you back together again and the fire between you is still alive, even in the midst of acute danger. It’s only a matter of time before you find a way to make it happen. In this episode, Rick and Michonne hole up in a rather well-preserved building with a pristine (and mysteriously functional apartment) after she flung them from a helicopter. In her defense, she needed to get him out of that oppressive and toxic environment so he could have more clarity.

They are quite angry with each other and get into a couple rounds of verbal sparring interspersed with some emotional moments. (But not before Rick gives Michonne a longing stare while she’s changing clothes.) Rick fears Jadis and the CRM will find them, kill them, and then kill their family and friends. Michonne wants Rick to push past his fear and try to fight back because that’s what they do. 

It seems they will go their separate ways for a minute after a heartbroken Michonne storms off in frustration. But, their crashed helicopter is blown up by yet another CRM helicopter to get rid of evidence of their existence, leading to a flood of walkers in the building. They fight the hoard (and Michonne nearly dies), which helps Rick realize that he cannot let her go home. The duo have a very emotional sex session on luxurious sheets in this decked out bedroom while the building starts crumbling around them. Love to see it. That’s some great motivation, indeed. The fire they had during their first kiss is still evident.

#TeamRichonne is back together again and they escape the building in a very convenient nearby vehicle. Are they going to the CRM to kill Jadis? We certainly hope so. They are presumed dead but Jadis and Pearl will probably be very, very suspicious. 

Rick Grimes Learns He Has a Son

Since the series’ debut, a large portion of fans wondered why Michonne didn’t immediately tell Rick Grimes about his son. As always, I will defend my queen Michonne with sound logic. When Michonne reunites with Rick, they are both in a state of shock. The duo are immediately trying to navigate how to get out of their situation without dying. That’s more than enough to occupy both of their minds. It is especially tough for Rick who has to help craft lies and cover for her. Michonne knows he’s doing all of this while grappling with the mental and emotional duress of the past few years.

AMC Networks

She was likely waiting for a time where they weren’t under watchful eyes and when Rick seemed more capable to handle such jarring news. She wasn’t truly prepared to tell him, but her slip of words about their “children” happened when she was angrily addressing him. Even then, Rick still didn’t want to take the risk at first, which was understandable. Rick Grimes later opens up about how the CRM broke his dreams and spirit to the point that he felt like he lost his deceased son Carl and Michonne all over again. In a sense, Rick had to die in order to make it through the day. Poor Rick had to face the tragedy of nearly losing his wife and get repeatedly beaten over the head with sobering truths to make his choice. 

Where Are Rick and Michonne Going Next in The Ones Who Live?

Rick and Michonne hop on the road as a united front with a new determination. The pair will end up going back to the Civic Republic to attempt to take down this organization… or at least their biggest enemy. Michonne even laid out a plan: Go back to the Civic Republic, find Jadis’ evidence against them, kill her, and then finally go home. It’s a bit conflicting with her final words to Rick about going home and figuring it out together but the plan is the surefire way to maintain their safety.

Even though they seem to be heading towards Alexandria, surely something will stall their path and bring the Civic Republic back into the fold. Let’s see how it all goes down in the final two episodes.

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TEEN TITANS Movie in Development at DC Studios

It’s been rumored for some time now, but now it’s official—according to The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. and DC Studios are moving forward with a live-action Teen Titans movie. Screenwriter Ana Nogueira, who has written the script for the upcoming Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, is tackling the project. This is in its earliest stages, so there’s no director attached yet. Nogueira started out as an actress, appearing on shows like the CW’s The Vampire Diaries, before transitioning into writing. Her off-Broadway play Which Way to the Stage premiered in 2022.

DC Comics

Teen Titans is easily one of DC Comics’ most successful brands. It started out in the ’60s as a lighthearted series about the Justice League’s sidekicks. However, it was the ’80s reboot that made the team into comic book superstars. Under the guidance of creators Marv Wolfman and George Perez, The New Teen Titans kept members like Robin and Wonder Girl, adding new heroes like Cyborg, Starfire, and Raven, who became breakout stars. The comic was DC’s most popular by far at the time, only outsold by Marvel’s Uncanny X-Men. Robin’s transition into Nightwing occurred in New Teen Titans, transforming him into one of DC’s most popular heroes.

Warner Bros. Animation/Max

The characters really became mainstream household names thanks to the 2003 Teen Titans animated series on Cartoon Network, which was an anime-influenced version of the ’80s team. They followed that series with Teen Titans Go!, which aimed at an even younger crowd. In 2018, Titans came to live-action, in a series that ran for four seasons on the DC Universe streaming service, and later, on Max. The Titans show was the opposite of the cartoons, going dark and grim instead of goofy and fun. Neither animated nor live-action television takes really adapted the tone of the comics that inspired them. Here’s hoping the DCU version will finally give us a version that does justice to this very iconic DC brand.

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AMONG US Animated Series Casts Stars from THE LAST OF US, LORD OF THE RINGS, and More

Among Us released in 2018, but the online multiplayer social deduction game really took off in 2020. The game from Innersloth revolves around identifying Imposters and who is the most ‘sus’ of the group. We learned in June 2023 that an Among Us animated series was in the works from Innersloth and CBS Studios. And now, in news we first saw at Variety, the Among Us animated series has a star-studded voice cast. The show will feature stars from The Lord of the Rings, The Last of Us, Community, and WandaVision.

Click To View Gallery Innersloth/CBS Innersloth/CBS Innersloth/CBS Innersloth/CBS

The Among Us animated series voice cast will include the following—at least for Round 1:

Ashley Johnson as Purple, Chief of Security
Safety, suspicion, sarcasm
Task: wet blanket
Fun Fact: trust issues

Elijah Wood as Green, Unpaid Intern
Happy to be there
Task: whatever they’re told
Fun Fact: gets paid in pizza

Randall Park as Red, Captain of The Skeld
People-pleaser, blowhard
Task: leadership, confidence
Fun Fact: failed upwards

Yvette Nicole Brown as Orange, HR
Spineless corporate shill
Task: eliminate redundancy, redundantly
Fun Fact: fires you over email

We can’t wait to see the kind of shenanigans this crew will get into.

The Among Us animated series’ story follows that of the game. The official logline says:

Members of your crew have been replaced by an alien shapeshifter intent on causing confusion, sabotaging the ship, and killing everyone. Root out the Impostor or fall victim to its murderous designs.

No word on a release window yet, but stay tuned for more Among Us animated series details.

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Ryan Gosling’s Oscar Performance of BARBIE’s ‘I’m Just Ken’ Gets a LEGO Upgrade

Now that the 96th annual Academy Awards have come and gone, what will people remember about years later? Will it be the Oppenheimer sweep of most of the major categories? Will it be Emma Stone receiving her second Oscar for Poor Things? Maybe. We’re going to bet the thing folks will remember most about the 2024 Oscars, however, is Ryan Gosling’s perfect and hilarious rendition of his nominated song from Barbie, “I’m Just Ken.” That showstopper is what everyone was talking about that night, and the following day. Now, YouTuber LegoME_theOG has recreated the iconic moment, entirely in LEGO. You can watch it in full right here:

So just what made this moment so perfect? Was it Gosling’s commitment to maintaining the “Kenergy?” Was it the involvement of the other major Kens from Barbie? Was it the perfect homage to Marilyn Monroe’s “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes? Well, we think it was a little bit of all of those things combined. Although Ryan Gosling was nominated for his role as Ken, he lost to Robert Downey Jr.’s in Oppenheimer, and somehow still managed to become the most talked about aspect of said event. Ryan Gosling might not have won in his category, but he won the whole night. Isn’t that better?

LegoME_theOG

While we’re sure the now-iconic Oscar moment has got the suits clamoring for more cinematic Ken, we kind of hope this is the victory lap for Gosling as the character. You never want to overdo a good thing. If you enjoyed that LEGO-ized “I’m Just Ken” Oscars moment, the LegoME_theOG YouTube channel has other similarly hilarious recreations. Among them are the recent Deadpool & Wolverine trailer, Stranger Things 4, and even the cliffhanger finale of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. As cool as all of those are though, nothing will ever replace Ken in our hearts.

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LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL’s Enthralling Found Footage Story Is a Satanic Panic-Laden Stunner

The expression “desperate times call for desperate measures” is common for good reason. Desperation often leads people to stretch the boundaries of their morals—or ignore those lines altogether—in an effort to acquire something they wish to obtain. That something could be as vital as food for sustenance, which is understandable in a sphere of scarcity. But oftentimes, it is far more trivial, like adoration from strangers who have parasocial attachments to them. They want the most viewers, the biggest platform, the unyielding attention.

People will lie, manipulate, kill, and exploit to satisfy those kinds of goals, sometimes at the expense of others. Exploring these sins is recurrent in horror narratives. But I’ve never seen anyone do what director/writer brothers Colin and Cameron Cairnes do in Late Night with the Devil. This found-footage flick, with a haunting and sensational leading performance by David Dastmalchian as Jack Delroy, takes us to Halloween night in 1977 to watch sensationalist efforts spiral into a demonic train wreck on a late-night television show. 

Late Night with the Devil honors films like The Exorcist and Rosemary’s Baby alongside the effervescent appeal of ‘70s-era late-night TV legends à la Johnny Carson and Dick Cavett. Its found footage narrative successfully blends humor, heartbreak, and dread, all of which are bolstered by the glorious style of gore that only Cronenbergian-style practical effects can offer. From its opening scene that puts the state of the world and the construction and crumbling of late-night host Jack Delroy’s life and career into focus to its absolutely batshit ending, Late Night with the Devil draws you in and refuses to release its grip. 

The film follows Delroy’s last-ditch effort to save his television show, which is rapidly falling out of favor with viewers. He’s grappling with a personal tragedy and just can’t seem to nab the #1 spot. His membership in a mysterious arcane organization and wacky on-air efforts still don’t move the rankings needle. With cancellation and Satanic panic creeping over the horizon, Delroy and his production staff pull one last stunt. They plan a Halloween episode with several strange guests who will both mesh together and hate each other. 

IFC Films

There’s Christou the medium (Fayssal Bazzi), Carmichael the former magician and supernatural skeptic (Ian Bliss), and Dr. June Ross-Mitchell (Laura Gordon), a parapsychologist and author. The latter is the true key to Delroy’s trick, thanks to her patient Lily (Ingrid Torelli). She’s a teenager with a harrowing backstory and an unsavory spirit living inside her. Jack pulls a fast one on the good doctor, coercing her in front of a live-audience to do something never seen before on live television: summon and commune with the Devil. This can’t go wrong in any way, right? Of course it can and it does in spectacular real-time fashion. We get a holistic and voyeuristic view of it all from two perspectives: in front of and behind the camera.

The film runs at a cool 93 minutes, which could have felt sluggish with a less captivating cast. David Dastmalchian is the foundation and master of this narrative. He brings Delroy’s smarmy and smug yet oddly endearing persona to life with every wide-eyed stare of disbelief and scathing remark. He’s a clear connoisseur of the genre, so much so that his Fangoria article about regional TV horror talk shows caught the eyes of the Cairnes brothers, leading to his casting. Anyone who’s seen Dastmalchian in, well, anything knows this leading role has been long overdue.

IFC Films

The new (to US audiences, anyway) standout in this film is undoubtedly Torelli as Lily. Her soulless stares and unsettling smirks into the camera will send chills down even the most fearless viewers’ spines… and that’s before the titular Devil takes over. Her quiet yet commanding screen presence slowly pushes an already eerie atmosphere over the edge of destruction. Torelli’s physicality and delivery play perfectly alongside Laura Gordon’s mounting perturbance and controlled panic. It is easily one of the best supporting horror performances in recent memory. 

Late Night with the Devil’s ending feels a bit rushed and convoluted. However, the big creative swings and pure chaos help soothe those issues. Questions are left unanswered, and that’s okay. Instead of tying up loose ends into a neat knot, things are delightfully unraveled and uncertain. Deliciously dark, frighteningly fun, super strange, and full of thoughtful thematic choices, Late Night with the Devil is poised for horror classic status.

Late Night with the Devil hits theaters on March 22 with a later release on Shudder on April 19.

Late Night with the Devil ⭐ (4.5 of 5)

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THE BOY AND THE HERON Returns to Theaters, MANDALORIAN Season 4 Updates, and More News Odds & Ends

From Oscar-winner excitements to cool new releases and more, here are some of our favorite odds and ends of entertainment news.

Critical Role, AMC Theaters/Studio GhibliThe Boy and the Heron Will Return to Theaters on March 22, Movie Will Arrive on Max in 2024Daggerheart Is Critical Role‘s Answer to Dungeons & DragonsA24’s Eddington Stars Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, Austin Butler, Pedro Pascal, and More in Ari Aster MovieSam Rockwell Will Help Adapt Hello From The Magic Tavern Podcast Into Animated Series The Mandalorian Season 4 Update Indicates Season Unlikely to Happen SoonPokémon Creators Say Ash Could Return to the ShowAMC Theaters Reveals Cool Ghostbusters Popcorn Bucket and Adorable Drink CupMusic Will Literally Make You Time Travel in The Greatest Hits TrailerNetflix Releases Three New Roald Dahl Shorts in Wes Anderson Anthology Star Trek Is Heading to WonderconA Willy Wonka Experience Musical Is ComingThe Boy and the Heron Will Return to Theaters on March 22, Movie Will Arrive on Max in 2024Studio Ghibli

The Boy and the Heron is now an Oscar-winning movie. And to celebrate, the Miyazaki film will return to theaters on March 22. It will return in both the English-dub and sub versions. The re-release will also include “exclusive bonus content featuring an introduction from the film’s composer Joe Hisaishi, who received a Golden Globe nod for his work on the film, and a recorded drawing session with supervising animator Takeshi Honda.”

Studio Ghibli

Additionally, The Boy and the Heron will stream on Max later this year. Max has also extended its contract to stream Studio Ghibli films with a new “multiyear agreement.” So it looks like Max will remain the home for Miyazaki movies for the foreseeable future.

Read our review here:

Hayao Miyazaki’s THE BOY AND THE HERON Is Imaginative, Beautiful, and Thoughtful

Daggerheart Is Critical Role‘s Answer to Dungeons & DragonsCritical Role

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

Critical Role

As far as game mechanics go, in Daggerheart will “players roll one HOPE die and one FEAR die (both 12-sided dice), which will ultimately impact the outcome for your characters. This duality between the forces of hope and fear on every hero drives the unique character-focused narratives in Daggerheart.” The game will also involve a card system that “makes it easy to get started and satisfying to grow your abilities by bringing your characters’ background and capabilities to your fingertips. Ancestry and Community cards describe where you come from and how your experience shapes your customs and values. Meanwhile, your Subclass and Domain cards grant your character plenty of tantalizing abilities to choose from as your character evolves.”

Daggerheart Open Beta Playtest has now launched globally.

A Dungeons & Dragons RPG life-sim game is also coming soon.

DISNEY DREAMLIGHT VALLEY Creators to Release DUNGEONS & DRAGONS RPG Life Sim Game

A24’s Eddington Stars Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, Austin Butler, Pedro Pascal, and More in Ari Aster MovieHBO/Warner Bros/Legendary/Searchlight Pictures

A24 is eyeing its next star-studded, surreal turn from director Ari Aster. Eddington features a cast that includes Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, Austin Butler, Pedro Pascal, Luke Grimes, Deirdre O’Connell, Micheal Ward, and Clifton Collins Jr. Aster will write, direct, and produce the movie, which Variety shares  “follows a small-town New Mexico sheriff with higher aspirations.”

Here’s our review of A24’s latest film, Love Lies Bleeding.

LOVE LIES BLEEDING Is a Beautifully Messy Triumph of a Queer Love Story

Sam Rockwell Will Help Adapt Hello From The Magic Tavern Podcast Into Animated Series

Hello From The Magic Tavern! The podcast you love by Arnie Niekamp, Matt Young, and Adal Rifai is being adapted into an animated series by Starburns and Play Hooky. #EetzaGoodaShow #ComingSoon @DEADLINE Concept Art by @fablepaint https://t.co/TtQNxn8PCU

— Starburns Industries (@StarburnsInd) March 14, 2024

Fans of the Hello From the Magic Tavern will be thrilled to hear that Sam Rockwell and Mark Berger’s Play Hooky Productions and Starburns Industries will adapt the podcast into an animated series. The series will tell a fantastical tale of the denizens of the land of Foon. Deadline reveals that “The animated series will follow the unlikely friends, Arnie Niekamp, Usidore the Blue (Young), and Chunt the Talking Badger (Rifai) on adventures throughout the fantastical land of Foon and beyond.”

The more fantasy adventures, the merrier.

Greta Gerwig Set to Direct CHRONICLES OF NARNIA Movies for Netflix

The Mandalorian Season 4 Update Indicates Season Unlikely to Happen SoonLucasfilm

Brendan Wayne, the actor who serves to bring Din Djarin’s to life physically on The Mandalorian, recently shared that it didn’t seem like a season four of the show was on the way. Wayne noted to The Chatooine Show, which we saw via Den of Geek, “I know that we’re doing a movie for sure.” But when asked if there were any plans brewing for season four of The Mandalorian, Wayne simply said, “No.” We suppose it makes sense to focus on one thing at a time. And a movie will surely be good. But fans of the series do hope to see it return to its original form at some point. Finger crossed!

Here are all the new Star Wars movies in the works.

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

Pokémon Creators Say Ash Could Return to the ShowThe Pokémon Company

Fans of the Pokémon series recently said goodbye to Ash and Pikachu as the series shifted to its new heroes. But don’t count Ash out just yet. Speaking to Variety, The Pokémon Company’s Andy Gose, senior director of media production, and Taito Okiura, vice president of marketing, kept a little hope alive that we might run into our favorite trainer again someday.

Gose shared, “We’ve said farewell. Ash is still in the world. Anything is possible, I suppose. In the world of Pokémon, there’s so many possibilities.” And Okiura noted, “We hope Ash and Pikachu continue in their journey. Their journey is ongoing somewhere in the Pokémon world. It’s totally up to our fans’ imagination. For the time being, we would love to focus on the new story of the Liko and Roy. “Horizons” invites a new beginning.”

Liko and Roy’s adventures have finally arrived in the United States.

Post-Ash POKÉMON HORIZONS Series Releases on Netflix in the US, Shares Theme Song

AMC Theaters Reveals Cool Ghostbusters Popcorn Bucket and Adorable Drink CupAMC Theaters

If you want to enjoy the movies and bust ghosts all at once, then AMC’s new Ghost Trap vessel and Mini-Puft Man Sipper are perfect for you. These fun products, which celebrate the release of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, will hold all your favorite theater snacks in style.

A release shares, “The Ghost Trap vessel appears to be plucked right out of the movie, complete with warning stickers and LED lights, available in theatres March 21. The colorful trap is designed to maximize the amount of popcorn you can carry to your seat from the concession stand — and then transform it into a movie experience keepsake to take home, display and enjoy. The light-up vessel is available for just $39.99 and includes a large popcorn.”

AMC Theaters

Additionally, “Guests can also mallow out with a collectible Mini-Puft Man Sipper (just $19.99 and includes a large drink) exclusively available only at AMC Theatres in theatre and online here while supplies last.”

Personally, I am obsessed with the Mini-Puft Man Sipper. Could it be any cuter?

Take a look at the trailer for Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.

GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE Brings Back Walter Peck in New Trailer

Music Will Literally Make You Time Travel in The Greatest Hits Trailer

Music can sometimes take you back to a specific place and time. But in the cast of The Greatest Hits, it will do so literally. You can check out the trailer for the romantic time-travel movie with a twist above. Its synopsis shares:

Harriet (Lucy Boynton) finds art imitating life when she discovers certain songs can transport her back in time – literally. While she relives thepast through romantic memories of her former boyfriend (David Corenswet), her time traveling collides with a burgeoning new love interest in the present (Justin H. Min). As she takes her journey through the hypnotic connection between music and memory, she wonders – even if she could change thepast, should she?

Searchlight PicturesNetflix Releases Three New Roald Dahl Shorts in Wes Anderson Anthology

Wes Anderson recently won an Oscar for his incredible work on The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar. Anyone who enjoyed that short can rejoice because three more like it are coming as part of Wes Anderson’s collaboration with Netflix on Roald Dahl-inspired pieces. A release notes, “Four spellbinding tales unfold in writer-director Wes Anderson’s anthology of short films adapted from Roald Dahl’s beloved stories.” These shorts, of course, feature an all-star cast that includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Rupert Friend, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley, and more.

Netflix

Here’s the list of all the recent Oscar winners.

Here Are the Winners of the 2024 Oscars (Including Our Nerdy Faves)

Star Trek Is Heading to WonderconParamount+

If you’re heading to WonderCon, don’t miss out on its exciting Star Trek offerings! First, you can participate in a Star Trek sing-along screening of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ musical episode. What could be better than that? Secondly, you can be one of the first people to watch the premiere episode of Star Trek: Discovery‘s final season. That’s not something to miss out on. Full panel details are below.

Paramount+

FRIDAY, MARCH 29 – 8:00pm – 9:00pm   [Room North 200A]

STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS  – “Subspace Rhapsody” Sing-Along 

CBS Studios and Paramount+ invite you to join them for the first ever Star Trek sing-along screening of the “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” musical episode, “Subspace Rhapsody” followed by a moderated Q&A with songwriters Tom Polce and Kay Hanley, also of Letters to Cleo fame, where they will discuss writing the songs for Star Trek’s first ever musical episode. 

SATURDAY, MARCH 30 – 3:30pm – 5:00pm   [Room North 200A]

STAR TREK: DISCOVERY  –   Final Season Premiere Screening 

Be one of the first to see the premiere episode of the final season of “Star Trek: Discovery” followed by a moderated Q&A with Michelle Paradise (EP/Showrunner) and Olatunde Osunsanmi (EP/Director) where they will discuss working on the exciting final season and tease what’s to come.

Check out the trailer for the final season of Star Trek: Discovery:

STAR TREK: DISCOVERY Final Season Trailer Showcases a Bittersweet Goodbye

A Willy Wonka Experience Musical Is ComingWilly Fest

The failed Willy Wonka experience in Scotland brought some levity to all our lives. And now, a musical based on the viral hit is on the way from producer Richard Kraft.

A release shares more about Willy Fest: A Musical Parody:

A team of top award-winning film, television and stage songwriters are joining forces to create a musical satire, “Willy Fest: A Musical Parody” inspired by the recent, ill-fated Willy Wonka knock-off fiasco that quickly became a social media phenomenon.

As breathlessly covered in worldwide press, this misguided event morphed into a viral nightmare a la Fyre Fest, where guests were greeted by a creepy warehouse, overpriced tickets and sad Oompa Loompa wannabes. Children were reportedly left in tears, the police were called, and the debacle was ultimately canceled, leaving organizers and guests with a bitter taste in their mouths and wallets.

We can’t wait to see it in song. “Willy Fest: A Musical Parody” is targeted for a late 2024 launch.

A movie about the experience is also on the way.

PUMA X ONE PIECE Collection, A Meeting of Lex Luthors and More News Odds & Ends

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James Gunn Teases Fortress of Solitude SUPERMAN Scenes with Norway Video

Soon, the world will meet a new Clark Kent in Superman. (Formerly titled, Superman: Legacy). DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran are rebooting the most famous superhero in the world as they transition the franchise from the DCEU to the DCU. Who will play the Man of Steel on the big screen this time around? What kind of story will we see him in? And who will bring it to life? We’re keeping track of all these answers and more.

And now, the time has finally come. James Gunn has revealed that the start of principal photography on Superman has begun. He also teased our very first look at Superman’s suit in the DCU movie. Something we’re very excited about. Interestingly, the name of the DCU movie has changed to just Superman from Superman: Legacy.

Additionally, in the shot shared above, we see some snow, and that’s because Superman has begun its filming in Norway. Speaking to Norwegian Svalbardposten (via Deadline and VG), Gunn shared, “We have filmed the first scenes [in Svalbard], which show Superman fleeing to the Fortress of Solitude. We wanted a place that was beautiful and felt like being in the middle of the Arctic, so we looked at several places in the world. But there were many things that sold Svalbard for us over the other places. First, there is the natural beauty. But there’s also the fact that you’ll find a varied landscape here that you won’t find anywhere else. Nature gives a special feeling.”

Gunn underscored his comments with a gorgeous video of Svalbard. It gives us the feeling that Superman will truly be one gorgeous movie.

VG additionally shares that “Gunn tells Svalbardposten that they will film scenes in Ohio in the USA later, and that he then expects a lot of paparazzi.”

DC Comics/Frank Quitely

Here’s everything we know about Superman.

Title

The DCU’s first official movie (though not its first official release) is now titled simply Superman. Of course, the movie began its life as Superman: Legacy. It will kick off the film side of what James Gunn has called the franchise’s first chapter, “Gods and Monsters.” He has also called Superman: Legacy “the true beginning” of the DCU.

Superman‘s Plot

While the film still has no official synopsis, Warner Bros. did provide a description of what we can expect from the story, which James Gunn says is not an origin tale.

Superman tells the story of Superman’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent of Smallville, Kansas. He is the embodiment of truth, justice and the American way, guided by human kindness in a world that sees kindness as old-fashioned.

Gunn announced the film with art from the cover of All-Star Superman by writer Grant Morrison and artist Frank Quitely. Whether or not that means the story is influenced, inspired by, or adapted from the 12-issue comic series in any way is unclear. What Gunn has said is the movie will focus on “an earlier part of Superman’s life,” where he is still old enough to already be working for the Daily Planet.

Superman‘s Cast

Accurate! (They are not only both incredible actors, but also wonderful people). https://t.co/1FtwYIDeYj

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) June 27, 2023

David Corenswet will play Superman, while Rachel Brosnahan will play Lois Lane.

Netflix/DC Comics/Prime Video

In addition, four more actors have joined the cast of Superman. Isabela Merced will play Hawkgirl, Edi Gathegi will play Mister Terrific, Nathan Fillion will play Green Lantern Guy Gardner, and Anthony Carrigan will play Metamorpho. María Gabriela de Faría will play the villain The Engineer in the movie. Also known as Angela Spica, the character has nanotechnology built into her body. Additionally, Sara Sampaio will play Eve Teschmacher, Skyler Gisondo will play Jimmy Olsen, and Wendell Pierce will play The Daily Planet boss Perry White.

James Gunn has also confirmed that Nicholas Hoult will play Lex Luthor.

James GunnBehind the Scenes 

James Gunn wrote the (definitely completed) script and is directing.

Superman‘s Release Date

Thanks to the efforts of our talented crew, who never lost faith during the longest strikes in Hollywood history, and who never let their foot off the pedal, continuing to barrel forward, creating the most amazing character and set designs I’ve seen in my entire career,… pic.twitter.com/ntnEbA2fC0

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) November 11, 2023

Superman will soar into theaters faster than a speeding bullet on July 11, 2025.

Originally published on April 11, 2023.

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SUITS Spinoff, SUITS LA, ‘Maybe’ Will See Original Cast Return

Suits seems to be the topic of many recent conversations, even though it has been off the air for quite some time. That fact hasn’t stopped the USA show from dominating streaming charts, though. Suits has landed at number one on the Nielsen Streaming Top 10 more than any other series. So, it’s no surprise that networks have taken note. And now, NBC has greenlighted a pilot for the Suits spinoff series Suits: LA. Arrow star Stephen Amell will serve as the lead in this spinoff alongside Lex Scott Davis. We’ll see if lightning can strike twice.

Could We See the Original Suits Cast Return in the Suits LA Spinoff?

Could Meghan Markle return in this Suits offshoot? That would really be something. We’d also love to see more from Gina Torres. We’ll have to wait and see for sure. But, speaking to People, star Lex Scott Davis teased, “maybe” there will be “some sort of rollover from the original cast.” And additionally noted, “It’s not impossible… I would love that myself if there was, but we’ll see. You never know.”

USASuits LA‘s Synopsis

Here’s what Variety had to share about the Suits spinoff series. It notes that Suits: LA will follow Ted Black “a former federal prosecutor from New York, who has reinvented himself representing the most powerful clients in Los Angeles.” And further adds that the spinoff logline reveals. “His [Ted Black’s] firm is at a crisis point, and in order to survive he must embrace a role he held in contempt his entire career. Ted is surrounded by a stellar group of characters who test their loyalties to both Ted and each other while they can’t help but mix their personal and professional lives. All of this is going on while events from years ago slowly unravel that led Ted to leave behind everything and everyone he loved.”

Suits Spinoff’s Cast and Production TeamThe CW

Deadline reports that Stephen Amell has been cast as the lead in Suits LA and will play the aforementioned Ted Black. The publication further adds that “Ted Black is described as a charismatic force of nature who puts his own needs above others. Fifteen years ago, the former New York prosecutor joined forces with his old buddy, Stuart Lane, to build an L.A. law firm that specializes in criminal and entertainment law.”

Additionally, Variety shares that Suits LA has cast Lex Scott Davis in a lead role. According to the publication, Davis will play “Erica Rollins, described as “a savvy and strong-willed rising star. Erica works for Ted Black. She’s shrewd enough to test the loyalty of her associates only to admire some of them for not having any.” Josh McDermitt has also reportedly come aboard the Suits spinoff. He is said to play the “energetic, powerful and self-absorbed…Stuart Lane, who co-founded Black Lane Law.”

Universal Pictures/AMC

Finally, Bryan Greenberg has joined the Suits: LA cast as Rick Dodsen, “Ted Black’s protege in the entertainment division of Black Lane Law. Slated to be promoted, Rick is determined to stay one step ahead of his rival, Erica Rollins (Davis).”

What we also know is that this spinoff is in good hands, with Suits’ original creator returning to write and executive produce.

When Will the LA-Based Suits Spinoff Release?

There’s no release date yet for Suits LA because the series has only received a pilot order and has not yet been picked up for a full season. But star Scott Davis shares of the Suits spinoff: “There is a pilot script, and that’s what we’ll be filming in April.”

The USA Renaissance

It’s an interesting time for the once-dominant USA set. Monk got a revival movie in late 2023, Mr. Monk’s Last Case: A Monk Movie. And now, Suits will return to the courtroom in this spinoff. Personally, we have to vote for a White Collar renaissance next. The time has come to let Neal, Peter, and Elizabeth live happily ever after together. In the meanwhile, we’ll keep our eye peeled for more from Suits: LA.

Originally published on February 2, 2024.

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Nicolas Cage Is In Talks to Star in Spider-Man Noir Live-Action Series

As we know, there are so, so many Spideys out in the world. It was a delight to see a few of them together in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, including Spider-Man Noir. The older and frankly worn out monochromatic hero from the 1930s is certainly an interesting take on the character. Now, Spider-Man Noir is getting his own live-action series at Prime Video. It could be yet another win for Amazon’s streaming service.

Sony/Lionsgate

Most recently, Nicolas Cage, who voices Spider-Man Noir in Into the Spider-Verse, reveals he is in talks to return for the series, but nothing is set in stone yet. He shares with Collider, “Well, I can say that we have been talking. It’s no secret that I love the character. I think the character provides another mash-up of sorts. I can combine my favorite golden age performances, i.e. Robinson, Cagney, Bogart, with a character that is, I guess, widely considered [to be] Stan Lee’s masterpiece. I see it as a kind of foray into a pop art mash-up of, sort of, a [Jungian] Lichtenstein, mash-up by way of Bogart and Cagney, but nothing’s definitive yet. It’s just conversation.”

With such a nuanced vision of Spider-Man Noir in his head, we feel like it’s only right that Cage reprise this role. But we’ll probably have to wait a while longer to know for sure.

Marvel Entertainment

Last year, Variety reported that Steve Lightfoot will be the co-showrunner alongside creator/writer Oren Uziel. Lightfoot is no stranger to the Marvel Universe, as he was the showrunner for The Punisher Netflix series starring Jon Bernthal.

The show will be set in its own universe and will not center around Peter Parker. The show will, however, take place in the 1930s and will presumably stick with the character’s black and white format. We can’t wait to see how a Spider-Man Noir series plays out. Right now, there’s no firm casting news nor a release window because things are in the very early stages. It will likely take a while before we learn anything else about this venture, but in the meantime, fans can begin all the speculation. 

Originally published on February 9, 2023.

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