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Everything We Know About PEACEMAKER Season 2

The DCEU is officially over. James Gunn and Peter Safran’s all-new DCU will soon replace it. Well, their cinematic universe will be mostly new. Some remnants of the franchise’s previous iteration are sticking around, we’re just don’t yet know exactly how that will work. One element not going anywhere is Gunn’s Max series Peacemaker. How will the show’s second season connect to the first? How will the first connect to the DCU? Which previous stars are returning alongside John Cena? And how will the show explain any changes? Here’s everything we know about Peacemaker season two so far.

Peacemaker Season 2‘s PlotMax

Peacemaker‘s second season does not yet have an official synopsis, but Gunn has shared some intriguing tidbits about it. He said the show’s first season “isn’t canon,” but that season two is “full DCU.” Gunn isn’t dismissing the character’s past entirely, though. He also wrote “many strands” of Peacemaker’s story “will remain consistent.” That indicates some aspects of Christopher Smith’s history from both The Suicide Squad and the Max show’s first season will still matter to the character’s future. Gunn has also said the explanation for the changes within the story will be easy for viewers to understand.

On social media Gunn also said the events of his Superman movie will matter for Peacemaker season two.

Max

The show’s second season will also air before Waller, a new series announced as part of the DCU’s initial lineup. It was originally expected to serve as a bridge between Peacemaker seasons, but the events of Waller will take place entirely after Peacemaker season two, which will also have a new opening credits sequence. (If it’s as good as the original we’re fine with that. Otherwise….)

Behind-the-ScenesDC

Gunn has confirmed that, just as with season one, he wrote every episode of Peacemaker‘s sophomore outing. Unlike last time, though, he won’t be directing every episode because of his other DC responsibilities. He’s directing “only some” episodes this time.

Gunn also wrote what will be the first DCU movie, the new Superman. He’s directing that film, which will overlap with Peacemaker‘s shooting production, set to begin this summer. Despite his job overseeing the franchise and directing a Superman movie, Gunn has described Peacemaker‘s second season as a “priority” for him.

Peacemaker Season 2‘s CastKatie Yu/ HBO Max

“Team Peacemaker” is coming back. Gunn made that official in the lengthy Threads post where he shared much of what we know about the show. That indicates star John Cena will once again be joined by many (all?) of his season one colleagues. The DCEU version of the show also featured Jennifer Holland, Steve Agee, Freddie Stroma, Danielle Brooks, Nhut Le, and Amanda Waller herself, Viola Davis.

With a canon-shifting event changing the universe of the show as we know it, it’s unclear if the memory of Robert Patrick’s Auggie Smith will continue to haunt his son, which the end of season one teased. But whatever explanation Gunn has planned means he could also find a way to bring back characters who died in season one, like Chukwudi Iwuji’s Murn.

HBO Max

Gunn’s comments about the events of Superman having an impact on Peacemaker also indicates stars of that film could also show up on the Max series.

And don’t worry: Eagly is coming back.

Peacemaker Season 2‘s Release Date

Peacemaker season 2 does not have an official release date yet, but Gunn’s Superman movie does. It flies into theaters on July 11, 2025. We know Peacemaker won’t debut until after that film, so a fall 2025 release on Max seems possible, as does an early 2026 premiere.

In the meantime keep your focused aimed here for updates.

The post Everything We Know About PEACEMAKER Season 2 appeared first on Nerdist.

Neve Campbell Is Back as Sidney Prescott in SCREAM 7

After the firing of Melissa Barerra, Jenna Ortega leaving the Scream franchise, and director Christopher Landon abandoning the project, it looked like Scream 7 was on ice. But now, the sequel is roaring back to life with arguably its biggest star involved once again. After controversially stepping away from Scream VI, actress Neve Campbell has revealed via an Instagram post that she is returning to the role of Sidney Prescott for Scream 7. Not only that, but so is original Scream writer Kevin Williamson, who will direct a Scream installment for the first time. Scream (2022) and Scream VI’s writer Gary Busick is taking over writing the script from James Vanderbilt, according to The Hollywood Reporter. You can see Campbell’s announcement below:

In her post in regards to Williamson’s involvement, Campbell said “This was his baby and it’s his brilliant mind that dreamt up this world. Kevin is not just an inspiration as an artist but has been a dear friend for many years. To the amazing Scream fans, I hope you are as excited as I am. See you on set.” The original Scream originated as a script called “Scary Movie,” which caught the eye of Wes Craven. Williamson would also write the second and fourth chapters. Not to mention other slashers like I Know What You Did Last Summer. His only feature directing credit is 1999’s Teaching Mrs. Tingle. Now, his second will take him back to where his career began, with Sidney Prescott.

Spyglass Entertainment

Many believed that Neve Campbell would not return to the franchise after a salary dispute with Spyglass Entertainment. This conflict (allegedly) led her to not return for Scream VI. Since then, the goodwill for Spyglass among Scream fandom has been not so great. This only got worse after Melissa Barerra’s firing and Jenna Ortega’s decision to not return. Many believed another Scream would never get off the ground. Now that it will, a lot of Scream fans will feel conflicted contributing to a franchise that treated its stars so shabbily. Can the return of Neve Campbell be enough to get the fans to un-boycott the franchise under Spyglass? We’ll find out when Scream 7 hits theaters probably in 2025 or 2026.

The post Neve Campbell Is Back as Sidney Prescott in SCREAM 7 appeared first on Nerdist.

X-MEN ’97 Creator Beau DeMayo Fired By Marvel on Eve of Release

On September 20, 1997, a dying Charles Xavier said goodbye to his fellow mutants. That left them to navigate a dangerous world without their wise leader. At least they would have had to if Fox hadn’t canceled X-Men: The Animated Series. What awaited Cyclops, Storm, Wolverine, Beast, and the rest with the Professor? We’re finally going to find out. At long last, the show’s highly-anticipated Disney reboot, Marvel Animation’s X-Men ’97, has both a trailer and a release date. The series has even revealed the names of its anticipated episodes.

However, in a shocking twist, it seems that X-Men ’97 Head Writer has been fired by Marvel eight days before the series is set to release.

X-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 “early last week, 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 has now been deactivated. No reason for the firing has been released.

X-Men ’97 Picks Up Where The Animated Series Left Off

Bust out your best pogs and crack open a can of Surge soda cause the ’90s are back. X-Men: The Animated Series will get to resume its story on Disney+ with X-Men ’97. The show’s first trailer picks up right where the old series left off, too. The death of Professor X means the team needs a new leader to emerge. They’ll also be forced to deal with an old enemy who will now have an even bigger role in their lives. Charles Xavier left everything he had to none other than Magneto.

That will make for a whole lot of fun. For us. That will be fun for us, not the X-Men.

Marvel StudiosX-Men ’97‘s Episode Titles

X-Men ’97 has revealed the titles of its ten episodes. The series will conclude with a three-part arc titled “Tolerance is Extinction.” Of course, eagle-eyed fans will already be drawing connections to other X-Men lore from comics, cartoons, and beyond. What Easter eggs do you spy in this line-up of titles?

Marvel AnimationX-Men ’97 Will Not Be a Part of the MCU

Beau DeMayo confirms that 'X-MEN '97' is not canon to the #MCU. pic.twitter.com/EPpLHa2xpc

— X-Men Updates (@XMenUpdate) February 19, 2024

For the curious, X-Men ’97‘s former head writer, Beau DeMayo confirmed on Instagram that X-Men ’97 would not be a part of the MCU’s continuity. He replied, “We are our own thing,” while answering a question that pondered whether the series would be canon to the MCU.

The Series‘ Cast and Production Team

Disney also announced the cast for the show. X-Men ’97 stars: Ray Chase as Cyclops, Jennifer Hale as Jean Grey, Alison Sealy-Smith as Storm, Cal Dodd as Wolverine, JP Karliak as Morph, Lenore Zann as Rogue, George Buza as Beast, AJ LoCascio as Gambit, Holly Chou as Jubilee, Isaac Robinson-Smith as Bishop, Matthew Waterson as Magneto, and Adrian Hough as Nightcrawler. Theo James also joins the cast in a mysterious role.

Jake Castorena, Chase Conley, and Emi Yonemura serve as the ten-episode season’s directors, with Beau DeMayo on as head writer.

New episodes, new era.

Marvel Animation’s #XMen97, streaming March 20 on @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/8ENmkv7F6B

— Marvel Entertainment (@Marvel) February 15, 2024

When Is X-Men ’97‘s Release Date?

Despite this being the first trailer for a reboot more than 25 years in the making, we won’t have to wait long to see its first episode. X-Men ’97 premieres on Disney+ on March 20. X-Men ’97 will run for 10 episodes. The series will release its first two episodes on the 20th.

Obviously, mutants are just as eager to resume their story as we are to see what happens to them next.

Originally published on February 15, 2024.

The post X-MEN ’97 Creator Beau DeMayo Fired By Marvel on Eve of Release appeared first on Nerdist.

THE BATMAN – PART II Delays Release Date By a Year

Although it will not belong to the main on-screen DC Universe, we were very happy to hear that The Batman – Part II will continue on in DC’s new world order. Under James Gunn and Peter Safran, The Batman – Part II will belong to DC’s Elseworlds Projects. These projects will take place in TV, movie, or game form but will not factor into the main universe story. Still, they play a critical role in keeping the DC Universe varied and interesting. Here’s everything we know about The Batman – Part II.

Although The Batman – Part II was originally slated to release on October 3, 2025 it now has a new release date, October 2, 2026. Deadline reports that this is due to delays caused by the amount it time it took the studios to resolve the recent Hollywood strikes. The move will also offer some space between The Batman – Part II and the DCU’s Superman, which will release on July 11, 2025.

Warner Bros.Title

For now, the sequel to The Batman carries the descriptive title of The Batman – Part II.

The Batman – Part II‘s Plot

We don’t know much yet about The Batman – Part II‘s plot. But we do know that a cinematic universe is building for The Batman. Next up, we’ll see a Penguin series on HBO Max, and that will tie directly into the coming sequel.

Warner Bros.

One thing is clear about The Batman – Part II; its focus will stay on Batman, a.k.a Bruce Wayne. Reeves shares:

To me, the thing that I really feel is that I also believe that Rob [Pattinson] is so special in the role. My goal has always been to do these point-of-view stories that allow the character to always be the emotional center of the story. Because a lot of times what happens is, after you do the first one, then suddenly other Rogues Gallery characters come in, and they kind of take over, and then Batman takes a backseat sort of character-wise, or emotionally.

The Batman – Part II‘s CastWarner Bros.

For now, we know Robert Pattinson will return as our Bruce Wayne/Batman. It just wouldn’t be a The Batman movie without him. In addition, an article in GQ notes that Matt Reeves has confirmed Andy Serkis’ return as Alfred Pennyworth in The Batman – Part II.

A February 21, 2024 interview on Vanity Fair also confirmed Barry Keoghan—who had a brief cameo in the first film as the Joker—will return, presumably in a much bigger role, for The Batman – Part II.

Warner Bros.Behind the Scenes

Matt Reeves is returning to write the sequel to The Batman. But this time, he will find a co-writer in Mattson Tomlin. We assume Reeves will also direct The Batman – Part II.

The Batman – Part II Release Date

The Batman – Part II will release on October 2, 2026.

Originally published on February 8, 2023.

The post THE BATMAN – PART II Delays Release Date By a Year appeared first on Nerdist.

SALEM’S LOT Will Skip Theaters and Release On Max in 2024

One of Stephen King’s earliest novels is coming to the screen, but it won’t be the big screen anymore. The Hollywood Reporter initially revealed that Annabelle Comes Home director Gary Dauberman is helming a big-screen adaptation of Salem’s Lot. The epic vampire tale was one of King’s earliest success stories and was his follow-up novel to his breakthrough hit Carrie in 1975. Dauberman will not only direct the film, but he’s writing the screenplay as well. He also wrote the screenplay for both chapters of the blockbuster It. Horror maestro James Wan is one of the film’s producers. But, after some shakeups in the Warner Bros. release schedule, Salem’s Lot will actually skip theaters and head straight to Max in 2024. And that’s a shame because it has Stephen King’s very own seal of approval.

Here’s what we know about this Salem’s Lot adaptation.

Warner Brothers

Salem’s Lot Release Date

Salem’s Lot had an original theatrical release date of April 21, 2023. But in a recent slew of release date changes which included shifting release dates for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and Shazam! Fury of the Gods, the movie has found itself without a date at all. But now, Max has officially shared that the Stephen King adaptation will be coming to Max in 2024.

Max shares in a release:

New Line’s film adaptation of Stephen King’s 1975 bestselling novel “Salem’s Lot” will debut on Max in 2024. Salem’s Lot reunites the producing teams behind the record-breaking horror franchises “The Conjuring” universe and the “IT” films. Gary Dauberman writes, directs, and executive produces with James Wan and Michael Clear for Atomic Monster and Roy Lee for Vertigo alongside Mark Wolper.

Salem’s Lot Synopsis

Max also revealed the official logline for the Stephen King movie. It shared:

Author Ben Mears returns to his childhood home of Jerusalem’s Lot in search of inspiration for his next book only to discover his hometown is being preyed upon by a bloodthirsty vampire.

Stephen King Opines on the Salem’s Lot Movie

We might assume that all this shifting around indicates the upcoming Salem’s Lot movie isn’t much good. But one important voice is speaking out to contradict that hypothesis. Stephen King himself took to Twitter to share that the Salem’s Lot movie is a quality one. In fact, King shared, “I’ve seen the new SALEM’S LOT and it’s quite good.”

Between you and me, Twitter, I've seen the new SALEM'S LOT and it's quite good. Old-school horror filmmaking: slow build, big payoff. Not sure why WB is holding it back; not like it's embarrassing, or anything. Who knows. I just write the fucking things.

— Stephen King (@StephenKing) February 19, 2024

In full, Stephen King noted, “Between you and me, Twitter, I’ve seen the new SALEM’S LOT, and it’s quite good. Old-school horror filmmaking: slow build, big payoff. Not sure why WB is holding it back; not like it’s embarrassing, or anything. Who knows. I just write the fucking things.”

Well, we suppose it’s good news that the movie is good. But that makes us sadder that it’s in such limbo. Hopefully, we will hear more news about it soon.

Salem’s Lot Cast

Lewis Pullman (Bad Times at the El Royale) will play the story’s lead character, Ben Mears. Ben Mears is an author who discovers a bloodthirsty vampire is preying on his childhood hometown. Additional cast includes Alfre Woodard as Dr. Cody, Makenzie Leigh as Susan Norton, Bill Camp as Matthew Burke, Spencer Treat Clark as Mike Ryerson, Pilou Asbæk as Straker, and John Benjamin Hickey as Father Callahan.

In the novel, Alfre Woodard’s character is actually Dr. Jimmy Cody. Jimmy helps Ben Mears (Pullman), Susan Norton (Leigh), and Matt Burke (Camp) fight against the vampires. Pilou Asbæk’s Straker, meanwhile, is the vampire’s familiar, or servant, who gets his hands plenty dirty as well. Finally, as mentioned, John Benjamin Hickey will portray Father Callahan. We feel interested to see how this character will evolve in the movie.

The History of Salem’s Lot

Salem’s Lot is essentially a modern retelling of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and centers on an author who returns to his hometown in Maine (King’s home state) to write about a creepy abandoned mansion that’s haunted him since childhood. Not long after arriving back home, he finds out that the mansion was bought by a mysterious and reclusive antiques dealer, who is a vampire master. After turning several of the locals into his vampire minions, the author and several other townsfolk join together to put an end to the undead infestation.

The 1979 Mini-Series

The novel was turned into a two-part mini-series in 1979. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’s Tobe Hooper directed this Stephen King adaptation. It was big success and re-aired on TV for years. It was later edited down into a shorter runtime and released on VHS, where it became a favorite rental choice among horror fans. The scene were a young boy sees his vampified friend float to his window in the middle of the night traumatized an entire generation, myself included.

The original mini-series made several changes to the book, most notably turning the talkative vampire master Kurt Barlow into more of a Nosferatu-style vampire, who doesn’t speak and is more animalistic and terrifying looking. Although this was very different from the novel, the mini-series Barlow was a horrifying and memorable creation.

The 2004 Mini-Series

A TNT mini-series that stuck closer to the book released in 2004. It featured Rutger Hauer as Barlow and Rob Lowe in the lead. This was another vampiric notch on the actor’s belt. Not only was he the physical inspiration for Anne Rice’s Lestat, but he played vamps in movies like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Argento’s Dracula, and Dracula III: Legacy. It remains to be seen if this new version of Barlow will stick closer to the ’70s mini-series or the 2004 one, or go off in a completely new direction.

One thing is for sure, though. This is one King adaptation we can’t wait to sink our fangs into.

Featured Image: Warner Brothers

Originally published on April 20, 2020.

The post SALEM’S LOT Will Skip Theaters and Release On Max in 2024 appeared first on Nerdist.

Disney+ AGATHA Series Slims Down Title in Yet Another Name Change

In WandaVision, it was Agatha all along. And now it really will be all about Agatha Harkness. Kathryn Hahn’s MCU witch will soon star in her own Disney+ Marvel series, Agatha: Darkhold Diaries. While we don’t have too many details yet about what this series will entail, we can already tell it will serve up some delightfully magical fun.

Disney+

Most recently, we learned it was Agatha all along. After trying on at least four names, the Disney+ WandaVision spinoff series seems to have settled on a brand new (and perhaps final) name: Agatha. Were the multiple names just ruses so we could say, “Hey, it was Agatha all along?” We may never know. But at this point, we really must chuckle.

Here’s everything we know about Agatha: Darkhold Diaries, potentially just Agatha.

TitleMarvel Studios

Although the first title we heard for Agatha’s MCU series was Agatha: House of Harkness, and the second was Agatha: Coven of Chaos, it seemed the series would actually be called Agatha: Darkhold Diaries. But now a fourth title has emerged, just Agatha. For now, we’ll retain use of Agatha: Darkhold Diaries, but will keep everyone updated as more name details emerge.

Agatha: Darkhold Diaries‘ PlotMarvel Studios

Marvel Studios has kept plot details for Agatha: Darkhold Diaries under wraps. But the last time we got to see Agatha, the witch lost in a fight to Wanda Maximoff. And then Agatha ended up trapped in her Agnes persona.

We imagine the show will reveal to us how Agatha breaks out of the spell she’s under and then follow her along on some exciting shenanigans. And it seems like we’ll get to meet a number of witches from the pages of Marvel Comics. And we do love a witch.

Although it’ll likely still be a while before we see too much from the show, we officially have our first looks and footage from the Agatha-centric series. Set to be released on the WandaVision Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD editions, a special “Agatha Bonus Clip” takes us behind-the-scenes of Darkhold Diaries.

Whatever helps happens, we hope that Agatha gets yet another catchy jingle to her name. “Agatha All Along” needs a successor.

Behind the Scenes

WandaVison‘s Jac Schaeffer returns as executive producer and head writer on Agatha: Darkhold Diaries. Additionally, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Schaeffer, alongside Wednesday‘s Gandja Monteiro and Resident Evil‘s Rachel Goldberg, will direct different episodes of the show.

Agatha: Darkhold Diaries‘ CastMarvel Studios

We’ve learned about quite a number of potential coven members cast so far. Of course, Kathryn Hahn returns to play the titular MCU witch Agatha Harkness. Joining her is Emma Caulfield Ford, who will reprise her role as Dottie for the Disney+ show. Dottie was one of the women Wanda trapped in her Westview fantasies. Could Dottie be another secret witch? Only time will tell. Variety also reports Heartstopper‘s Joe Locke has joined the cast in an undisclosed role. However, many fans speculate Locke will play the role of  Billy Kaplan, a.k.a. Wiccan, the son of Scarlet Witch and Vision. Mashable further notes that Miles Gutierrez-Riley will play “Billy’s boyfriend, Hulkling.”

Aubrey Plaza will also star in the series, potentially as a more villainous character on the Agatha show. Ali Ahn and Maria Dizzia have reportedly joined the cast as well, as has Patti LuPone. LuPone revealed she will play the role of Marvel Comics’ Lilia Calderu. Debra Jo Rupp is reportedly in the cast, too, presumably reprising her role of Mrs. Hart from WandaVision. Sasheer Zamata, meanwhile, is confirmed to play the role of sorceress Jennifer Kale.

Agatha: Darkhold Diaries‘ Release Date

For now, Agatha: Darkhold Diaries will be a part of the MCU’s Phase Five. According to Mashable, it will be nine episodes long, a bit longer than the typical Disney+ Marvel show. Agatha: Darkhold Diaries will release on Disney+ in 2024.

Originally published on November 4, 2022.

The post Disney+ AGATHA Series Slims Down Title in Yet Another Name Change appeared first on Nerdist.

Watch Ryan Gosling Perform ‘I’m Just Ken’ at the Oscars with Simu Liu, Ncuti Gatwa, and More

We all knew that we’d love Ryan Gosling’s live Oscars performance of his hit ballad “I’m Just Ken” from the Barbie movie. But we totally underestimated how much. The “I’m Just Ken” performance was easily our favorite part of the evening. From Ryan Gosling’s homage to Marilyn Monroe to his hot pink bedazzled outfit to singing with his fellow Kens on stage, there was no end to the delight the performance brought us. You can watch Ryan Gosling’s “I’m Just Ken” Oscars performance below and experience the Kenergy for yourself.

“I’m just Ken, and I’m enough. And I’m great at doing stuff.” Well, Ryan Gosling certainly is Kenough, and he’s certainly great at doing stuff, like bringing down the house. This “I’m Just Ken” Oscars performance told a slightly different story than the cinematic version from the Barbie movie. As mentioned, it actually homages Marilyn Monroe’s performance of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, with Ken, of course, the blonde in question. And, it turns out, it was actually Gosling’s idea to turn this performance into a wink to Monroe. We love this reference on multiple levels. Reach for the stars, Ken! May you and your gentleman have a great time.

We also love that Gosling wasn’t a lone Ken during the “I’m Just Ken” performance at the Oscars. Fellow cinematic Kens from Barbie: Ncuti Gatwa, Simu Liu, Scott Evans, and Kingsley Ben-Adir appeared on stage as well. These appearances were extra exciting for us at Nerdist (and for nerds everywhere) because Gatwa is, of course, the new star of Doctor Who, and Liu and Ben-Adir both gave performances we loved in the MCU. Nerdy Kens for the win! Guns N’ Roses’ Slash also joined Ryan Gosling and the rest on stage. And he brought yet another Kenergy to the table.

Variety reveals that involved in the performance were “a 40-piece orchestra, 62 dancing Kens, over 24 gigantic Barbie heads, and four “cameo Kens.” And that despite playing coy, Gosling had worked on the performance for months with a clear overall structure in his head. Choreographer Mandy Moore and Greta Gerwig also played a big role in the final vision of the piece. Gosling and co. planned everything down to a T, from the inclusion of Gerwig, and Barbie co-stars Margot Robbie and America Ferrara to the line Gosling shared with Emma Stone. Gosling even asked permission before kissing the cameraman’s hand. Moore notes, “[Gosling] was very sweet he goes, ‘Can we just make sure that Sean the steady is OK if I kiss his hand?”

Oscars

Gosling’s “I’m Just Ken” performance at the Oscars feels like the perfect culmination of Ken’s Barbie journey. Even though the Barbie-focused song “What Was I Made For” ultimately took home the Oscars prize, Ken had his day in the sun too.

Oscars

Hopefully, we’ll see a Barbie: The Album concert tour next. Can you imagine the pink in the crowd? Till then, we’ll replay this “I’m Just Ken” Oscars performance over and over.

Originally published on March 11, 2024.

The post Watch Ryan Gosling Perform ‘I’m Just Ken’ at the Oscars with Simu Liu, Ncuti Gatwa, and More appeared first on Nerdist.

New STAR TREK Series STARFLEET ACADEMY Gets Full Series Order

Although Star Trek: Discovery will soon end with season five, a new live-action StarTrek series will arrive to replace it. After years of rumors, Paramount+ has officially announced a series order for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. This show will follow an all-new class of Starfleet cadets. And we’ll get to see students coming of age in one of the most legendary places in the galaxy. Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau will serve as co-showrunners. Gaia Violo wrote the series pilot. The series will begin production in 2024.

You can read the official description of the new Star Trek: Starfleet Academy series right here:

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy will introduce us to a young group of cadets who come together to pursue a common dream of hope and optimism. Under the watchful and demanding eyes of their instructors, they will discover what it takes to become Starfleet officers as they navigate blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries, first loves and a new enemy that threatens both the Academy and the Federation itself.

Paramount+

Paramount+ also released a special “recruitment announcement” from the legendary institution itself:

Admission is now open to Starfleet Academy! Explore the galaxy! Captain your destiny! For the first time in over a century, our campus will be re-opened to admit individuals a minimum of 16 Earth years (or species equivalent) who dream of exceeding their physical, mental and spiritual limits, who value friendship, camaraderie, honor and devotion to a cause greater than themselves.

The coursework will be rigorous, the instructors among the brightest lights in their respective fields, and those accepted will live and study side-by-side with the most diverse population of students ever admitted. Today we encourage all who share our dreams, goals and values to join a new generation of visionary cadets as they take their first steps toward creating a bright future for us all. Apply today! Ex Astris, Scientia!”

CBS/Viacom

The mention of the Academy opening up for “the first time in over a century” suggests the new Star Trek: Starfleet Academy series will be a spinoff of Discovery. We learned in recent seasons that because of a terrible galactic incident, the Federation was reduced to just a few worlds by the 32nd century. But by the end of Discovery season three, Starfleet began the climb back, and the Academy reopened.

Many fans crossed their fingers and hoped that Starfleet Academy might take place in the post-Picard timeline. We would have loved to see characters from The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager as instructors. But it seems more likely we’ll see characters from Discovery instead. We do also hope the new Star Trek series won’t be completely Earthbound. It would be amazing to see cadets training on starships, as we did in The Wrath of Khan.

Speaking to Collider, Executive Producer Alex Kurtzman shared Starfleet Academy is  “halfway through the writers room now” and preparing to film this summer. He additionally noted, “It could end up not airing until 2026. We don’t know. But by starting [shooting in late summer], just building the sets alone is a massive endeavor, then six months of shooting, then six to eight months of post.” The publication additionally notes, “While he confirmed they ‘haven’t started casting the kids,’ it sounds like some of the adult roles have already been filled.”

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy will likely debut on Paramount+ sometime in 2024 or 2025, but we guess 2026 is also on the table.

Originally published on March 30, 2023.

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Lily Gladstone Investigates a Heinous Murder in UNDER THE BRIDGE Teaser Trailer

Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon showed Lily Gladstone is one of the best actresses in the world working today. Now she’s ready to show off her A-list star power with another leading role in a story about murder. Only this time she’ll be the one investigating it. Gladstone stars opposite Riley Keough in Under the Bridge, Hulu‘s upcoming series based on a terrible true crime with an intriguing teaser trailer. This is a story that is too heinous to imagine.

We’ll watch anything Lily Gladstone is in, but she’s not the only thing Under the Bridge has going for it. This Under the Bridge teaser trailer might be short, but it packs a punch. This intense, unsettling look gives us just enough to know something very evil happened and who did it. If you want to watch the show without knowing exactly what took place, though, here’s the series official synopsis from Hulu.

Under the Bridge is based on acclaimed author Rebecca Godfrey’s book about the 1997 true story of fourteen-year old Reena Virk (Vritika Gupta) who went to join friends at a party and never returned home. Through the eyes of Godfrey and a local police officer, the series takes us into the hidden world of the young girls accused of the murder — revealing startling truths about the unlikely killer.

Hulu

The show comes from Quinn Shepherd, who adapted it from Godfrey’s award-winning 2005 book. The two also serve as executive producers along with Samir Mehta, Liz Tigelaar, Stacey Silverman, Tara Duncan, and Geeta Patel (who also directs).

What Is the Premiere Date for Hulu’s Under the Bridge?

The series also features Chloe Guidry, Ezra Faroque Khan, Archie Panjabi, Izzy G, Javon “Wanna” Walton, and Aiyana Goodfellow. The eight-episode season will premiere at Hulu on April 17, 2024 with its first two episodes. We’re confident they will also serve as the latest reminder Lily Gladstone is one of the best actresses in the world.

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LEGO Teases Super Mario Kart for 2025 and Other Nintendo Sets

This year’s MAR10 Day (or as we like to call it, Mario Day) was a big one. Especially with a new Super Mario Bros. movie announced for April, 2026. But LEGO also used MAR10 Day to show off several teases for future LEGO Super Mario sets, all arriving this summer. However, the big reveal was the confirmation that Mario Kart sets are arriving in 2025. The teaser featured a silhouette of a Mario Kart, which already has Super Mario LEGO fans excited for next year.

LEGO

These new Mario Kart sets will soon be the latest in the growing collection of Nintendo LEGO sets. A collection that began four years ago with the LEGO Super Mario Adventures with Mario Starter Course. Among the new sets are The Bowser Express Train set, King Boo’s Haunted Mansion set, and the Battle with Roy at Peach’s Castle set. You can watch the full 8-minute video right here. You can also check out several images and specs of each set down below.

LEGO Super Mario: Bowser Express Train SetLEGO

Ages: 9+/Price: $119.99, €119,99, £104,99/Pieces: 1392/Dimensions: 480 x 378 x 94 mm/Available: August 1st, 2024

LEGO Super Mario: King Boo’s Haunted Mansion SetLEGO

Ages: 8+/Price: $74.99, €74.99, £64.99/Pieces: 932/Dimensions: 456 x 282 x 72 mm/Available: August 1st, 2024

LEGO Super Mario: Battle with Roy at Peach’s Castle SetLEGO

Ages: 7+/Price: $64.99, €64.99, £59.99/Pieces: 738/Dimensions: 382 x 262 x 70.5 mm/Available: August 1st, 2024

What has fans most excited from the Mar10 Day reveal video however was the silhouette of a Mario Kart, as well as the Mario Figure. These suggest that we’re going to see more LEGO Mario figure functionality going into 2025. For more information from MAR10 Day, as well as pre-orders for these LEGO sets, be sure to head over to this link.

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