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Zuko and Iroh’s Relationship Is Even Better in Live-Action AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER

The relationship between Zuko and his Uncle Iroh in the Avatar: The Last Airbender cartoon is one of the most beautiful ever written. At times, it seems like Iroh is the only person who can see the good in Zuko. And though Zuko, especially at first, appears ungrateful for his Uncle’s teachings and guidance, it becomes increasingly clear that the wayward prince loves Iroh very much. Zuko, meanwhile, helps Iroh heal after the death of his son and, in a way, motivates him to do more than just passively disapprove of the Fire Nation’s actions. Neither Zuko nor Iroh would likely have survived and, beyond that, thrived without the other.

And that’s why when I say that Netflix’s live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender series intensifies this perfection, I do not do so lightly. By offering viewers two scenes they do not get to see in the cartoon, the live-action ATLA succeeds in, not necessarily improving, but evolving the relationship between Iroh and Zuko. 

Netflix

In a set of cleverly mirrored moments during episode four, the Avatar: The Last Airbender live-action series transports us to Zuko and Iroh’s lowest times of existence. For Iroh, brilliantly played by Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, a flashback takes us to see him right after the death of his son, Lu Ten. And for Zuko, perfectly brought to life Dallas Liu, his greatest pain comes to life as we experience the moment in which he leaves behind his home in disgrace and banishment.

While the cartoon implies these scenes, we mostly see their aftermath there and the relationship they helped to form. But the live-action takes us into the heart of the greatest griefs and losses the two characters face, even given the future events of the series itself. As we see Zuko and Iroh at their most precarious, it is Zuko who steps in to reach out for his Uncle, and Iroh who steps forward to ensure his nephew is not alone. This casts a whole new light on the pair’s inextricable bond.

As Iroh mourns Lu Ten, the rest of his family offers him empty, cold platitudes about honor and legend. But only Zuko speaks sincerely to him of his lost son. Perhaps, the series implies, Zuko was the single member of the Royal Family who knew Lu Ten as a person and not just a soldier. And it is only Zuko who cares enough to stay silently by Uncle Iroh’s side as a sea of mourners come to offer him their empty condolences, a determined, comforting presence.

With his heartfelt actions, Zuko helps Iroh break through the numbness of his grief and allows him to finally cry and mourn his loss openly. In this moment of true heartbreak, we see that Iroh truly only has Zuko, and Zuko steps up for his Uncle. It may seem a small addition to Avatar‘s story in the scheme of things, but it offers a whole new level of insight into how and why Iroh and Zuko’s devoted bond came to be.

Meanwhile, a little later in the flashback timeline, Avatar: The Last Airbender‘s live-action series gives us the story of how Iroh comes to travel with Zuko in exile. The cartoon never explains why Iroh accompanies his nephew on the hunt for the Avatar. Although most fans have speculated this was a choice Iroh willingly made and not a mandate from Fire Lord Ozai, it’s brilliant to see the former explanation explicitly canonized. In the scene, we find Zuko at his most vulnerable, preparing to leave the only home he’s ever known for a life of exile. As he’s about to set sail, Uncle Iroh steps onboard his ship to accompany him on his uncertain travels. Zuko warns his uncle they might not return “home” for a long time. But Iroh offers him the simple truth, “Home.” He ponders, “Everything I need is on this boat.”

Though his father has banished Zuko to the delight of his sister, his uncle comes to stand, singular but strong, by the prince’s side. In this perilous moment that is finally shown to us, it is Iroh that brings Zuko one measure of constancy and solidity. It is also worth noting that in the cartoon, Iroh is more directly responsible for Zuko’s fate, inadvertently allowing him into the war council that changes his life. But the live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender removes this guilt from Iroh’s shoulders. And that makes the tender moment we see even more meaningful. It is an act of pure love that brings Iroh to Zuko’s ship. (And ostensibly, the audience to tears.)

Netflix

Although these scenes are just slight extensions of what we see in the cartoon, they have tremendous consequences for how we view the bond between Iroh and Zuko. The live-action crystallizes for the audience just how Zuko and Iroh arrived at the relationship we see them in during the present day. Not only do the scenes reveal that Zuko and Iroh had only one another for much of their lives, but they overtly manifest how integral the relationship was at the most painful of times. At their respective rock bottoms, Zuko catches Iroh and Iroh catches Zuko. That’s why their bond is the way it is in present day.

Of all the changes and additions the live-action made, these scenes feel like the ones viewers will apply across canon. From now on, when watching the cartoons, fans can know that Zuko comforted Iroh after the death of Lu Ten, and Iroh stood steadfast by Zuko as he sailed into banishment, and feel a new glow of love for the relationship between the pair.

The post Zuko and Iroh’s Relationship Is Even Better in Live-Action AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER appeared first on Nerdist.

OUR FLAG MEANS DEATH Is Officially Over, Creator Confirms Season 3 Fails to Find New Home

It’s a sad day in the world of fandom. Although fans of the recently canceled show Our Flag Means Death fought hard to find the series a new port in which to dock, the series’ creator has officially revealed that it is time for this ship to sail off into the sunset. Unfortunately, there will not be a new home for Our Flag Means Death, and the show will not receive a season three after its cancellation at Max.

David Jenkins, creator and showrunner of Our Flag Means Death, revealed the news in a heartfelt Instagram post. Among other things, he shared, “I can officially confirm that we’ve reached the end of the road. At least as far as this sweet show is concerned.” But noted that the fans’ tremendous efforts to save the series did not go unnoticed.

💥 WE! ARE! LIVE! 💥

Thanks to your generous support, and @otherjunglecat who is paying for the first day, we have two full days of #SaveOFMD with #HoistTheAds

Expect our ad every hour at :00, :01, :02, :15, :38, :42, :50.#RenewAsACrew pic.twitter.com/rg0FewTFoz

— Renew as a Crew (@RenewAsACrew) January 19, 2024

Discussing “Save Our Flag Means Death” Times Square billboards and more, Jenkins noted, “Your campaign was noticed across the industry. But more importantly, it made all of us who worked on this show better able to deal with the loss.”

Max

For many who loved it, Our Flag Means Death was much more than just a series. It represented community, belonging, and visibility. The show made great strides in representing different forms of love, identity, and queerness. It was incontestably important and its cancellation is a great loss for the television landscape.

Of course, though the abrupt end of a show is a true grief, fans will still always have one another, fan works, and two amazing seasons of Our Flag Means Death to celebrate. And for that, we’re all glad and grateful. As David Jenkins shares in his post, “A love like ours can’t disappear in an instant. When we see each other off in mystic, say hello. We won’t say goodbye, because we’re not leaving. We’re just taking a breather until next time we can share something together.”

The post OUR FLAG MEANS DEATH Is Officially Over, Creator Confirms Season 3 Fails to Find New Home appeared first on Nerdist.

Hugh Grant to Play Tony The Tiger in Jerry Seinfeld’s Pop-Tarts Movie

Jerry Seinfeld is going to direct, produce, and star in a Netflix movie about the creation of Pop-Tarts. A sentence so weird you might need to re-read it a few times to fully process what’s happening. But no matter how many times you ask, “What’s the deal with this movie?” we promise Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story is really happening.

But, as more details about it unfold, it does feel decidedly less and less believable. Most recently, we learned that Hugh Grant is set to play Tony the Tiger in Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story. Well, he’ll play “the disgruntled Shakespearean actor who, much to his chagrin, finds himself having to don the Tony The Tiger outfit.”

EXCLUSIVE 🐯

Hugh Grant plays Tony The Tiger in @JerrySeinfeld's Pop-Tarts movie #Unfrosted.

“That was the greatest part of the whole thing, honestly,” Seinfeld tells Empire.

READ MORE: https://t.co/nMdEOZk0CO pic.twitter.com/wfmrYzujc7

— Empire Magazine (@empiremagazine) March 8, 2024

Speaking to Empire, Seinfeld shares of Grant’s casting. “That was the greatest part of the whole thing, honestly, because I am a crazy fan of his.” Seinfeld reveals that Grant filmed an audition tape for the role, “[Hugh] asked me if it matters that Tony the Tiger has a British accent. I told him, ‘No, who cares?’” Sounds like this will be one exciting ride.

Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story‘s First Look Clip and Images

And now, we have our first look at the movie.

It certainly seems like it will be one hilarious treat that’s all about everyone’s favorite dessert for breakfast. And it will even include… explosions? We guess we’ll have to wait to learn more about what it’s all about. But at least we know how long we’ll have to wait now. Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story will release on May 3.

In the meanwhile, Netflix also released a first-look image of the movie, giving us a good look at Unfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story‘s cast.

NetflixUnfrosted: The Pop-Tart Story‘s Cast and Synopsis

The Pop-Tarts movie has assembled a worthy line-up of stars to bring its sugary story to life. Melissa McCarthy, Jim Gaffigan, Amy Schumer, Hugh Grant, and James Marsden will bring the story to life. Will they play Pop-Tarts? Will they make Pop-Tarts? Nobody knows, but we are all enchanted and yet terrified at the prospect.

The logline for the movie reads “Kellogg’s and Post, sworn cereal rivals, race to create a pastry that will change the face of breakfast forever. A tale of ambition, betrayal, sugar and menacing milkmen.” Is this a true story? We have our doubts.

The Background to This Movie

Unfrosted is based on one of Seinfeld’s old stand-up jokes about the invention of Pop-Tarts. The routine details how the sweet breakfast treat completely rocked his world as a kid. This particular bit has clearly taken up a lot of his focus over the years.

He explained the creative process and history of his Pop-Tart bit in 2012 for a video at The New York Times. It started with the first time he thought of the idea, which took a couple of years to complete. He said that’s much longer than his jokes typically take to finish.

“I know you think people are going to be interested in this. But they’re not.” Considering he is now making a movie based on this joke, either he never believed that, or he realized people really do care. Don’t expect a serious examination of the food industry though. Unfrosted sounds like it will be just as silly as the stand-up routine that inspired it. Seinfeld described the film to Deadline as a “giant, crazy comedy movie.”

When you think of it like that, this Pop-Tarts movie doesn’t sound that weird. But you might want to re-read this story a couple of times just to make sure.

Originally published on June 16, 2022.

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DUNE: PART TWO Understands That Paul Atreides Is Not a Hero

“All governments suffer a recurring problem: Power attracts pathological personalities. It is not that power corrupts but that it is magnetic to the corruptible.” –Chapterhouse: Dune

Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Dune understands something about the character of Paul Atreides that the 1984 Dune adaptation by David Lynch did not: Paul is not a hero. Paul, as envisioned by Frank Herbert, the author of the Dune novels, was meant to be a warning against messianic figures. In a famous quote, Herbert said that charismatic leaders should come with the warning label, “may be dangerous to your health.” 

Warner Bros. / Legendary PicturesFrank Herbert’s Framing of Paul Atreides vs. David Lynch’s Dune Portrayal

However, Herbert’s intention of Paul being a warning against the type of person who is able to bend populations and nations to their will by force of personality was often lost to those reading the book. And, as it turns out, in the first attempt to adapt the book to film. David Lynch’s Dune (1984) is a cult classic and beloved by many fans of the book. However, the way that Lynch chose to interpret Paul in his film goes directly against Herbert’s intentions.

After the climactic duel with Sting’s Feyd-Rautha, Paul causes the ground to break and crack under the body of his slain opponent. Paul assumes the mantle of Emperor, and the music swells as the narrator triumphantly states, “Where there was war, Muad’dib would bring peace. Where there was hatred, Muad’dib would bring love.” Paul then makes it rain on Arrakis. 

There is no precedent for this. Paul’s powers are impressive, but they are not supernatural. He cannot crack the ground with the power of his voice. And he certainly cannot control the weather by will alone. (A slight book nerd note: water kills sandworms. While Paul does begin the process of terraforming and greening Arrakis in subsequent novels, an unmanaged rain storm would likely result in the mass death of the worms, ending the production of spice and grinding space travel to a halt.) 

This tells the viewer that Paul truly is a supernatural Messiah figure who is worthy of the power he assumes. It suggests that it’s a positive development to replace the corrupt secular ruler with what is essentially a God-Emperor (shoutout to book four of the series).

Paul Atreides’ Characterization in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part TwoWarner Bros./Legendary

In Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two, the framing for the rise of Paul is vastly different. Following the defeat of Austin Butler’s Feyd-Rautha, this version of Paul demands that he be wed to Emperor Shaddam Corrino’s daughter Irulan, claiming the throne for himself. The other Great Houses of the Imperium do not recognize Paul’s ascendancy, which is when Paul tells the Fremen, “Bring them to paradise.” 

One of the final scenes of the film are legions of fanatical Fremen warriors boarding transports to bring holy war to the galaxy in the name of their Mahdi. While not mentioned in the film (though it might be in Villeneuve’s anticipated adaptation of Dune: Messiah) this holy war in Paul’s name kills over sixty billion people. 

While some details are smoothed over, this is roughly what happens in the books. However, one large change is in how Chani reacts to Paul’s marriage to Irulan. In the books, Chani is understanding of the need for a political marriage. She knows that she will be Paul’s true love as his unofficial concubine. The film changed her role to be the voice of opposition to the religious fervor that has gripped her people. 

She storms off into the desert, and the film ends on her face as she calls a worm. Anger and sorrow dominate her features. She feels both emotions for a couple reasons. First, it is for the man that she loves abandoning who he was. And, it’s also for her people abandoning their way of life at the behest of a religious leader. This is a far cry from bringing peace where there is war and love where there is hatred. 

Warner Bros./Legendary

The religion that Stilgar and the other Fremen so fanatically follow was not native to Arrakis. Rather, the Bene Gesserit sisterhood (basically the space Illuminati) seeded myths and prophecies across the galaxy to aid themselves and their plans. The manufactured nature of the prophecies that Paul fulfills in order to become the Messiah of the Fremen is entirely absent from Lynch’s film. In 1984’s Dune, Paul simply is a supernatural figure who was the destined Mahdi of the Fremen people. It does not portray him as an opportunistic foreigner who manipulated people into believing that he was more than a man. 

Paul’s corruption of the Fremen culture through exploitation of their religion is seen in Dune: Part Two through Javier Bardem’s Stilgar. Stilgar acts as somewhat of a comic relief through the first half of the film. In a scene somewhat reminiscent of Monty Python’s The Life of Brian, Stilgar is impressed when Paul says he is not the Mahdi that Stilgar believes him to be as only the Mahdi would be so humble as to not say that he is the Mahdi. 

But, as the film continues, the comedic undertone of Stilgar’s religious devotion is stripped away. He goes from a well meaning leader with an air of humor to a wild eyed fanatic gleeful at the prospect of bringing death to the enemies of Muad’dib. Though Paul’s story is framed in the classic “Hero’s Journey” format, there was always a sinister undertone to his actions. 

Paul Atreides Is Not a Hero But He’s Also Not a Villain Warner Bros./Legendary

All of this is not to say that Paul is the villain of Dune. He does have good qualities, and is certainly not sadistically evil in the way that the Harkonnens are. Despite his manipulation, he does truly fall in love with the Fremen culture. He is horrified by the visions of the future that he sees of a future drowning in blood. But, ultimately, he chose the path that led to that outcome. 

When push came to shove, Paul wanted revenge against House Harkonnen for killing his family. To get his revenge, he was willing to manipulate the indigenous people of Arrakis using the religion that was implanted into the culture by the Bene Gesserit. He was willing to cause the death of billions, claiming that he had no choice and did everything he could to limit the number of people slaughtered as a result of his rise to power. He says that the other paths were worse. But were they worse for the galaxy or just worse for him and those he cared about? 

Ultimately, Paul Atreides was meant to serve as a warning that scores of people die and entire cultures are destroyed when men become Messiahs. We should never put out trust and faith in leaders to save us, as they are just as fallible as those they lead.

If you want to understand that aspect of the character and the Dune series as a whole, then you should look to Dune: Part Two.

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LOVE LIES BLEEDING’s Stars and Director Discuss Its Surreal Ending, Queer Love, and More

A24’s Love Lies Bleeding has just hit theaters, and there are many reasons you should watch this movie. Of course, there’s the fact that it’s simply an excellent film; surreal, irreverent, funny, suspenseful, and down-right thrilling are all adjectives that come to mind. We won’t wax poetic too much about it here, but you can read our five-star review of Love Lies Bleeding for a better idea of the greatness it entails. Beyond that, the performances are stunning, the conceit, smart, and the vision, incredible. As a bonus, if you’re a queer person, get ready to worship because this movie will take you to church. All hail the sacred text of Love Lies Bleeding.

A24

And so, as a queer person myself, it was my great pleasure to get to chat with Love Lies Bleeding‘s co-writer and director, Rose Glass, and its brilliant stars, Katy O’Brian and Kristen Stewart. From the meaning embedded in the movie’s wild imagery (and especially its ending) to what it was like to inhabit its perfect queerness, here’s a deep dive into Love Lies Bleeding with those who know the movie best.

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Nerdist: Love Lies Bleeding has some of the best depictions of, I wouldn’t even say queer women necessarily, because I feel it really goes beyond the gender binary, but of queerness that I’ve seen on film. And it also shatters some tired ideas of beauty with Lou’s incredible androgyny juxtaposed against Jack’s ultra-feminine goddess-like nature. It’s really an ode to a non-normative existence. What was it like to write, craft, and perform these groundbreaking roles?

Kristen Stewart: That’s such a fun question. It’s so nice to be asked that question. How was it?

Rose Glass: Really fun. I don’t know. I mean, when you are, I don’t know, it was all just kind of fairly inherently baked into… It all happens fairly gradually and organically. You don’t necessarily think you’re doing anything particularly radical, necessarily, when you’re writing it or doing it. It’s only once you see the finished thing a little bit back then and see the way people react to it, you kind of go, “Oh, okay. Cool.” But yeah, it was just really fun.

A24

Nerdist: I thought the movie captured this intense duality that I feel queer people especially experience, where, sometimes, the characters are these fantastical beings in these crazy realms, and then they’re also lying in their sweatpants on the couch all day. Can you talk more about how Love Lies Bleeding combined its heightened surrealism with a very grimy, grounded world?

O’Brian: I feel like Jackie is almost just always in a little fantasy world in her own head, and then when it came to this pseudo-reality, it was extra fun for her.

Stewart: Yeah. Lou’s always trying to be bringing up practical things. She’s like, “Stop. We don’t have to contend with the murder that we… “

O’Brian: Yeah, exactly. “Let’s just go to Vegas. Come on.”

Stewart: They’re living in this hyper-fever, dream nightmare, like uber-realistic kind of existence. But then moments where you’re so caught up in obsession, so caught up in the high of feeling in love with someone and feeling like newness. And then the thing that always happens… There’s this one scene where they connect, they have a big fight, but then they have the best sex of their lives, and then the next day, they wake up and get this phone call that changes the course of the whole movie. And that is, anytime you let your guard down, that moment where you’re like, “Maybe things are nice between us and life is good and easy.” And then just like-

Glass: “No. No.”

Stewart: And then the world comes in and goes, “Life is hard, and it’s scary, and it sucks, but maybe we could do it together better.” And then by the end you’re like, “I don’t know if I think love is good for anyone.”

Glass: “But this feels amazing.”

Stewart: Yeah. The pain and pleasure of it, the love and hate of it, it’s all there.

A24

Nerdist: One of my favorite surreal moments was toward the end of Love Lies Bleeding, when Jackie became this powerful triumphant giantess, and I liked the jubilation of that. It felt almost out of a Greek myth or a fairytale or something like that. Is that kind of the energy you were imagining for that scene? And what did you hope for that ending moment to represent?

Glass: Oh, nice. I’m glad you said it. I’d sort of thought of Jackie as wanting, on some level, wanting to transform herself into a kind of god or a statue or something. So yeah, I think me and Weronika [Tofilska], my co-writer, we sort of toyed with having a version of the ending that was a lot more grounded, and you just saw the very literal version of what happens… And we wanted it to elevate it into a more emotional reality kind of thing, where everything does feel kind of sparkly and magical and ecstatic.

Stewart: The end can be interpreted in so many different ways. Yeah, it’s definitely a dealer’s choice, “Choose Your Own Adventure” at the end there, in terms of what actually happens. But there is exuberance abound.

O’Brian: It was fun reading it for the first time. I was sitting there shaking the whole script because I didn’t know what was happening next. And every page I’m turning, I’m turning, and then it’s like, “Oh, you’re a giant.” And I’m like, “That checks out at the end.” You’re like, “Yeah, at this point, yeah.”

Glass: It’s like, “Jackie turns into a giant.”

O’Brian: “Throws up Lou,” Oh!

Stewart: “And flies off into the cosmos.”

Nerdist: I really love that. It did really feel like goddessy to me. And I think there’s all these ideas of queer monstrosity that exist in cinema and media, and this is kind of turning it on its head because it’s a victory, a happy ending. So I really loved over-the-top nature of that.

Stewart: I got to a mouthpiece, a facepiece, for the audience at that moment because I’m just taking her in and going, “Whoa.” It’s like, “I’m astounded by you,” as everyone should be.

A24

Nerdist: I also really loved the sequence in the middle of the pageant where Jackie vomited or gave birth to Lou, who was all in white. What was the meaning of that moment from your perspectives?

Glass: Well, it’s just a very, probably quite literal… I don’t know, the feeling of… I guess it’s a visualization of codependency in some way. And that was the sort of romance that I think we quite liked the idea of exploring, is the kind where you do just kind of slightly feed off each other and your identities become a bit blurred. So it was just taking that to a fairly literal physical extreme.

Nerdist: A little queer cannibalism never hurt anybody.

O’Brian: So true.

A24

Nerdist: I felt like Love Lies Bleeding also had a great time flipping queer and normative romance tropes. We got a kind of “One look is all it takes,” which is usually reserved for more straight couples in media, but we didn’t get so much endless longing and ethereal tragedy that we sometimes see in queer movies. Were there any queer tropes that you were trying to avoid and any more normative romance tropes that you were trying to queerify in this movie?

Glass: I didn’t want it to be another film… I mean, there’s many excellent examples of it, but I feel like it is a lot more familiar where a character’s sexuality, their queerness, is sort of an obstacle that needs to be grappled with. So I think that was definitely something we wanted to sort of sidestep. And it’s like their identity in that aspect is incidental and there’s a lot more else that’s happening in their lives and in the story.

Stewart: There’s this one part in a scene where we’re in a restaurant, and there’s an extra that walks by and says “Dyke,” or something. And it’s not ultimately in the movie. And it’s fine that it’s not there because we understand that happens. Even just the way we inhabit our bodies in public space is like, that part is still available even though he doesn’t actually articulate that word in that moment.

I still feel like when I look at those kids sitting in that Chinese restaurant in the middle of nowhere America, I’m like, “That’s not a safe space.” But they’re not talking about it, which is really relieving.

A24

Nerdist: More and more characters who aren’t men are allowed to embrace their rage on screen, and their rage also comes from maybe more justified and meaningful places sometimes. Katy, I thought you were just as terrifying as Jackie when the darkness kind of overcame her. Did you enjoy embracing those intense emotions?

O’Brian: Yeah. I mean, it’s fun. JJ is a piece of shit. So it is something that you kind of always, in a weird way, want to do. You want to make somebody hurt the way that they’ve hurt someone else that you care about. But there are a lot of things that hold you back. And obviously, in a movie, you can do whatever you want, and there are no repercussions in anything. So it’s kind of, at least in that one instance, it’s empowering to feel like, “Ah, justice is served,” and then we take it a bit further.

Stewart: Yeah, never having to circle back and be like, “We’re now going to contend with our choices and mistakes.” It’s like… Yeah, I mean, sure, somebody who watches the movie will have to do that. But no, that was an instinct. It was followed and it was the right one.

A24

Nerdist: Lou, meanwhile, seemed to be stuck waiting for her life to begin, but then, in the end, she was kind of the more take-charge, dominant one, whereas Jackie was a little bit more naive to things in a sense. Kristen, how do you feel Lou transformed throughout Love Lies Bleeding?

Stewart: I think Lou wants to be the guy that someone can lean on. And I also think that there were a couple choices that didn’t need to be so definitive. I wasn’t like, “I don’t think I should ever take my clothes off because I’m the top.” And it’s like, okay, well she also is touchable, you know what I mean? That person, she has walls, and then they come down, and there’s strength in that. I guess there’s vulnerability. But yeah, there’s something really sweet about someone who just sort of takes it all on the chin, and ultimately, that’s just not sustainable, and no one is such an altruistic, perfect person.

And so I think her having to contend with that and not being able to keep all the pieces together and actually not being able to clean up the mess and letting it all kind of get away from her is the most endearing thing and less of the trying to be so perfect or whatever.

And I just think it’s also really fun to have a feeble, basically a walking collapsed lung, trying to take care of this stupendous example of what a human can be (gestures to O’Brian). It also brings… Queer sex isn’t always about necessarily physical stuff. It’s like the stories we tell each other, the stories we tell ourselves, the fantasies that we have, the ways we want to feel. And if you co-sign that feeling, then it’s real. I can be big. I can be as big as I want to be, even though I’m 5’5″ and weigh less than her. Yeah, it’s just cool to see these people push each other into being. It’s satisfying.

Love Lies Bleeding is now in theaters for your viewing pleasure.

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Max Warns It May Terminate Accounts for Password Sharing

Remember when the words “password sharing crackdown” weren’t a part of our vocabulary as a meaningful phrase? If it seems like just yesterday, it’s because it was. We first heard the term almost exactly two years ago, when Netflix turned its eye on users sharing account passwords, and they transformed from a seemingly reasonable facet of streaming to a new source of income. And, of course, given Netflix’s success in converting their password-sharing crackdown into revenue, other streamers are warming to the idea. Disney+ and Hulu have announced users will no longer be able to share passwords sooner rather than later. And now, Max has also revealed a password-sharing crackdown of its own. Max’s password-sharing fight will begin this year and roll out in earnest in 2025.

Max

Is enough not really enough? What will it be next, eye-tracking technology to ensure only paid users are gazing at the screen? We’ll just stop ourselves before we give streamers ideas. But password-sharing crackdowns certainly show no sign of slowing. Warner Bros. Discovery streaming and gaming chief J.B. Perrette discussed Max’s plans for their own password-related efforts at Morgan Stanley’s Technology, Media, and Telecom conference, which we saw via The Wrap.

Perrette noted that a Max password-sharing crackdown “initiative would launch later this year with a broader rollout in 2025.” And shared, “We think, relative to the scale of our business, it’s a meaningful opportunity.” And we bet that it is. But if that is the case, we have to imagine consumers are becoming tired of more and more corners being cut in exchange for higher and higher prices.

Max

Additionally, Max’s Terms of Service, last updated on February 27, currently include language on the potential consequences of password sharing. Max states that to limit account sharing, features may be disabled, or suspension and termination could occur. As we have opined below, suspending accounts for password-sharing does seem counter-productive because it would remove the user who is paying as well as the one who is not. But, we guess we’ll see what transpires. The exact language Max provides around password-sharing is below.

We can modify access or disable features, including for security reasons, to limit the impact of account sharing outside of your household or where we have concluded in our discretion that there has been misuse of your Max Account. If a suspension or termination occurs, you must stop using the Platform. If a Subscription Provider suspends or terminates your Subscription and/or access to all or any part of the Platform, you agree not to create another Max Account or try to access the Platform without permission and such Subscription Provider reserves the right to block any such attempted access to the Platform. 

Something like a password-sharing crackdown, however meaningful Max and others might find it to be in the moment, doesn’t actually seem like an avenue of sustainable growth. And why is it so imperative companies grow all the time, anyway? That’s one rhetorical question, for sure. In the meanwhile, we’re sure Max won’t be the last streamer to try to stop passwords from being shared. So we’ll strap in and see what happens.

Originally published on March 5, 2024.

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DRAGON BALL Creator Akira Toriyama Dies at 68

Even those who are not intense anime and manga fans will likely know the name Dragon Ball. The hugely influential franchise helped bring anime to new audiences in the United States and beyond and united many people in their love for its characters and world. And so, the news that Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama died at a relatively young age and amidst new projects was incredibly sad for fans across the world.

Information ; Dear Friends and Partnershttps://t.co/85dXseckzJ pic.twitter.com/aHlx8CGA2M

— DRAGON BALL OFFICIAL (@DB_official_en) March 8, 2024

The official Dragon Ball channels shared the news of Toriyama’s passing. The creator died at the age of 68 in early March. The release, clearly drenched in emotion, shares, “It’s our deep regret that he still had several works in the middle of creation with great enthusiasm. Also, he would have many more things to achieve.”

But it also looks back at Toriyama’s great impact before his death, noting, “He has left many manga titles and works of art to this world. Thanks to the support of so many people around the world, he has been able to continue his creative activities for over 45 years… We hope that the world of Akira Toriyama’s unique works will continue to be loved by everyone for a long time to come.”

Toei Company

We cannot overstate Dragon Ball‘s impact. Its manga was first serialized in 1984, nearly 40 years ago, and it was created, written, and illustrated by Akira Toriyama. Of course, Toei Animation also adapted the manga into an immensely popular anime by Toei Animation and the world of Dragon Ball continues to generate new content into the present time. The original Dragon Ball manga has created spinoffs, movies, merchandise, and more, and reached all corners of the globe. The power, impact, and longevity of the franchise are really unparalleled.

As the news rolled through social channels, fans’ devastation was clear. Stories of how Dragon Ball touched lives were everywhere, and a great deal of praise and love for Akira Toriyama was expressed. It takes a great creator, indeed, to have engendered all of that.

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Millie Bobby Brown’s DAMSEL Delivers a Dark Fantasy Revenge Saga with a Fiery Finish

“There are many stories of chivalry where the heroic knight saves the damsel in distress. This is not one of them.” – Elodie, Damsel 

These words, spoken by Millie Bobby Brown’s dutiful protagonist, summarize Damsel’s premise. The Netflix film takes viewers on an epic quest alongside the dutiful Elodie. She leaves her cold, barren, and economically depressed land after a rich, handsome prince agrees to marry her. This seemingly easy solution to her homeland’s woes quickly goes awry when she discovers the truth about the Aurean royal family’s true intentions. They will use her as a ritual sacrifice to repay a decades-long debt. Yikes. Damsel executes its premise and delivers a mostly enjoyable dark fantasy romp with a dash of revenge and a heavy dose of MBB magic. 

Before I dive into the film itself, I’d like to briefly speak on its book counterpart. Evelyn Skye’s 2023 book of the same name is based on this film’s screenplay written by Dan Mazeau. I haven’t read this fantasy adventure, but it is presumably close to what the live-action version presents on-screen. I did note that, like Skye herself, the book cover version of Elodie is a woman of Asian descent. For unexplained reasons, this vision was never meant to carry over to the live-action story, as Millie Bobby Brown was cast back in 2020. It’s not shocking considering Brown’s relationship with Netflix and her role as an executive producer. 

Still, a story about a non-white woman who is used as a sacrifice to uphold a rich kingdom unearths an unnerving layer that makes the protagonist’s survival and revenge arc significantly more powerful. While Elodie’s ethnicity isn’t vital to her story like Hua Mulan and Millie Bobby Brown is certainly a capable action heroine, it would have been interesting to explore this narrative through marginalized eyes. 

Back to the movie. While Damsel’s cinematography and direction are solid, its worldbuilding feels a bit flimsy and rushed. There’s maybe five minutes of Elodie’s home with a shot of open land, a courtyard of arguing poor people, and a Game of Thrones-style decision-making room. Then, viewers are off across a vague body of water to the lush lands of Aurea, more specifically its castle and surrounding grounds.

Netflix

There are great gowns—truly beautiful gowns—alongside a smattering of chemistry between Elodie and Prince Henry and a lot of friction between their mothers. (Honestly, I’d watch an entire film with Robin Wright and Angela Bassett having multiple verbal sparring rounds.) The story would have benefited from more buildup towards its sacrificial twist by slowly unfolding the wealthy and reclusive world of Aurea and its people. Elodie’s discomfort and the unease between the two families would have resonated more with additional yet subtle signals that something is amiss. 

This nagging feeling of wanting more permeates into several aspects of Damsel. There’s some humor but not quite enough for it flow naturally within this narrative. The film offers get flashes of commentary on agency, power, and the perils of lies, but it often feels very surface level. The tension and action sequences often fizzle before either truly gets to expand.

It digs into some mythos via flashbacks but that results in more questions than answers. Damsel is entertaining with witty dialogue sprinkled throughout. But there are a handful of scenes where it’s tempting to divert your attention. This film is a fun watch on a Friday night, especially if you have kids. But, considering the cast, it should have been great.

John Wilson/Netflix

Predictably, Damsel speeds to the wedding and sacrifice ceremony, a scene that actually encompasses all of the film’s best elements. From that point, MBB takes center stage as Elodie works to outwit a snarky and vengeful dragon with a sad story of her own. The question is never if Elodie will survive, it is how she will defeat a dragon and an evil kingdom. The answer is, she does it with delightful sparks of ingenuity and tenacity. She’s absolutely a protagonist that young fantasy fans will gravitate towards.

Damsel admittedly hits a pacing snag in the second act but things veer back on course in act three. I verbally wished for a fiery twist to her ending. I was pleased to see it executed so well considering the bounds of a PG-13 rating. 

Overall, Damsel takes an imaginative swing at a heroine’s tale that teaches us one major lesson: always listen to Angela Bassett. She will never, ever steer you wrong.

Damsel ⭐ (3 of 5)

Damsel hits Netflix on March 8.

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Sean Gunn Confirms He Will Play Maxwell Lord in the DCU

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.

Marvel Studios/DC Comics

Late last year, it was rumored that Sean Gunn would appear in the DCU in a brand-new capacity, as the franchise’s Maxwell Lord. Sean Gunn is already confirmed to be playing Weasel and GI Robot in Creature Commandos. And now the actor has seemingly confirmed the rumor of his third role. Speaking to ScreenRant of Maxwell Lord, Sean Gunn noted, “The other one you mentioned — who I’m not sure I can still technically mention publicly, even though obviously the word is out — all I can say is that character is a little bit more grounded in being. A lot more grounded, obviously, as a human being. And so that’s a character that I’ll tackle in a more traditional way.”

It’s not obvious whether Maxwell Lord will be in Superman as a proper character. In previous, Deadline reported “the character… will be referenced in the background of Legacy but will appear in future DC projects.” We’ll have to wait to know for sure if Sean Gunn does appear in the Superman film as Maxwell Lord or not, but it does seem like the character’s casting has been confirmed.

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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DC’s CREATURE COMMANDOS Will Release in 2024, Confirms James Gunn

Of all the projects announced for James Gunn’s new DCU, the one that was already in production was the animated Creature Commandos series for HBO Max. And now, James Gunn has announced the voice cast for this series about a squad of monster soldiers based on the cult DC Comics title from the early ’80s. Gunn has filled it with quite a few names you’ll recognize, including some making the jump from the MCU. Here’s the full line-up of the DC voice cast for the upcoming Creature Commandos and a little bit more about what we can expect from the project and when we might see it release.

And in addition to Grillo welcome David Harbour as Frankenstein, Indira Varma as the Bride, @AlanTudyk as Dr. Phosphorous, @MariaBakalova96 as Ilana Rostovic, @seangunn as GI Robot & Weasel, Zoe Chao as Nina Mazursky and @steveagee returning as John Economos. #CreatureCommandos https://t.co/Xcg4oTv45j

— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) April 12, 2023

Creature Commandos will showcase the voice talents of the MCU’s former Crossbones, Frank Grillo, who will portray Rick Flag Sr. Another MCU alum joining the Creature Commandos cast is David Harbour as Eric Frankenstein. Speaking of Frankenstein, Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Indira Varma will be playing The Bride. Also in the cast are Maria Bakalova as Princess Ilana Rostovic, Zoe Chao as Nina Mazursky, and Alan Tudyk as Dr. Phosphorus. Sean Gunn is reprising his role as Weasel and also playing G.I. Robot. Finally, Steve Agee will reprise his role as John Economos from the Peacemaker series. Already announced for this series is Viola Davis as Amanda Waller, who’s giving the Commandos their marching orders.

Additionally, The Witcher‘s Anya Chalotra has joined the DCU as the voice of Circe. James Gunn confirmed the news, though he indicated the role may be a more minor part of the series. Circe is a Wonder Woman villain and power sorceress/goddess in the world of DC. And we couldn’t think of someone better to give life to the role than Anya Chalotra.

Warner Bros. Animation/DC Studios

James Gunn mentioned in his DCU announcement that actors who voiced characters in animation would also portray them in live-action. So this voice-cast announcement for DC’s Creature Commandos means we’re likely to see David Harbour as Frankenstein and the rest of the squad in a live-action project—probably even a project DC has already announced. If we were to guess, it’s likely to be the Amanda Waller series. Of course, they could all turn up in a future second season of Peacemaker. However, that’s now a long way off.

What Is the Release Date for Creature Commandos?

There’s no specific date given for when Creature Commandos is set to premiere, so we’ll have to wait to see this cast in action. For now, the best indication we have of when the series might release comes from star Sean Gunn. Gunn shares that Creature Commandos will “be coming out in the fall.” Hey, it’s something! James Gunn did recently assure us that the series will still release this year (2024).

We did have a feeling it would be among the first DCU projects to make it to our screens. Hopefully, we’ll see a more specific release date emerge soon.

Originally published on April 12, 2023.

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