Chris Hardwick's Blog, page 417

POKÉMON Meets National Geographic in Incredibly Realistic Short Videos

Pokémon fans have long imagined what Pokémon would look like if they existed in our world. And that only makes sense because it’s a fascinating thought. The world of Pokémon is a fantastical one, certainly, but it has just enough realism embedded into it that it inspires viewers to try to bring some science into it. Realistic Pokémon reimaginations have come in many excellent forms. Still, the latest one, a series of “wildlife” videos starring various Pokémon in their natural habitats, is one of the most delightful yet. These short videos take on the form of a David Attenborough-style documentary and are titled PokéNational Geographic. Not only is this series gorgeously animated, but these Pokémon x National Geographic videos are also truly hilarious. Let’s take a look.

These PokéNational Geographic come from creator Elious Entertainment. A note on each video in the series notes, “Our wonderful Professor Ginkgo has curated lots of information on individual Pokémon that is then read by our very own Michael Michaelson.” And we have to give all the kudos to Michaelson. The National Geographic-like scripts compile information from Pokémon‘s Pokédex. The Pokédex is, of course, known for containing some outlandish details about the Pokémon it tracks. But the reading of the incisive insights really takes it over the top. Something about the dry, objective tone crushing Magikarp into absolute pieces registers as absolute hilarity.

Poor Magikarp. We love all of these Pokémon/National Geographic videos, but the Magikarp one is so deliciously vicious and yet so gorgeously realistic that it may be our favorite. But in all seriousness, Elious Entertainment weaves an incredible animation together. Seeing the Pokémon appear so embedded in their environments, for instance, Magikarp being obscured by deep water, is a neat thing. These National Geographic shorts take the idea of realistic Pokémon and give it depth and dimension. We give PokéNational Geographic a standing ovation.

We also very much appreciate the touch of lore added into the world. It’s all about attention to detail, after all. Could National Geographic’s latest correspondent be a distant cousin of Pokémon‘s Professor Oak? We must know more about Professor Ginkgo and how he fits into the world. But we suppose for that we’ll have to wait for the camera to turn around.

Hopefully, we’ll see more PokéNational Geographic videos surface shortly. After all, we can never have enough realistic Pokémon in our lives. Our vote would be to visit the skies with Dragonite, or to witness an Eevee transforming in the wild. But we’ll be happy with whatever wanders in the frame. Nature cannot be controlled, after all.

Elious Entertainment

In the meanwhile, you can take a look at the full series of the National Geographic x Pokémon shorts by visiting this playlist. We know we’ll be rewatching for a while.

The post POKÉMON Meets National Geographic in Incredibly Realistic Short Videos appeared first on Nerdist.

BEETLEJUICE 2 Is Done Filming, Looks to Be On Track for Fall Release

For decades now, we’ve heard rumors about a sequel to Beetlejuice, Tim Burton’s 1988 hit, which cemented his signature style. The story of a young goth girl (Winona Ryder) who tries to help two ghosts in her haunted home scare her parents away. The ghost they hire is a “Bio-exorcist” named Beetlejuice to do the deed. A cult classic to this day, plans for a sequel have always been rumored. During the ’90s, they even floated “Beetlejuice Goes Hawaiian” to Kevin Smith.

But now, some 35 years after the original hit theaters, a sequel to the adventures of the “Bio Exorcist” is finally on the way. Original star Michael Keaton, director Tim Burton, and Scream and Wednesday star Jenna Ortega have all signed on.

Earlier this year, the movie paused production in accordance with the Hollywood strikes with only a little bit left to shoot. And happily, Beetlejuice 2 has now concluded filming, keeping it on good track to meet is current release date of September 6, 2024. Director Tim Burton shared the exciting news on his Instagram and offered us a sneak peek at one of the sets from the sequel movie.

Warner Bros./Netflix

So, let’s bust out that Handbook for the Recently Deceased; here is everything we know about the upcoming Beetlejuice sequel.

Title

We have no idea what the Beetlejuice sequel will be titled. At least not yet. It might just be a very basic Beetlejuice 2. But we’re hoping for Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice! That way, if they ever make it a trilogy, they can call the third one Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice! and Michael Keaton will magically appear when summoned, just by saying the title.

The Beetlejuice Sequel’s PlotWarner Bros.

We don’t know much about the plot either, aside from it centering on the daughter of Lydia Deetz from the first film. And somehow, the previously unknown wife of Beetlejuice will play a part as well. We think it’s safe to say that both ghosts and the afterlife will play a rather large role.

The Beetlejuice Sequel CastWarner Bros.

The cast for the Beetlejuice sequel is shaping up to have a combination of stars from the original, and other actors Tim Burton has recently worked with. Michael Keaton will return as the titular character, joined by Jenna Ortega, who recently worked with Burton on Wednesday, as the daughter of Winona Ryder’s Lydia Deetz character from the first film. Winona Ryder is returning as well, as so is Catherine O’Hara as her stepmother. Other original cast members, like Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin, are likely not returning.

New to the cast is Willem Dafoe, who is playing a law enforcement officer in the afterlife. Another new face is Justin Theroux, in an as-yet undisclosed role. Also new to the world of the afterlife is Monica Bellucci, who will play the previously unknown wife of Beetlejuice. This will be the first time working on a Tim Burton project for all three actors.

Behind the ScenesWarner Bros.

Returning behind the camera is original filmmaker Tim Burton. Al Gough and Miles Millar, the creators of the hit Netflix Burton/Ortega collaboration Wednesday, wrote the screenplay for the sequel. Tim Burton’s longtime friend and collaborator Danny Elfman is returning to compose the score. It just wouldn’t feel like Beetlejuice without an Elfman score, would it?

Beetlejuice Sequel Release Date.

The long-awaited sequel to the Tim Burton horror/comedy classic Beetlejuice hits theaters on September 6, 2024.

Originally published on May 15, 2023.

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THE BLACK PHONE 2: Ethan Hawke and Original Cast Set to Return

Recently, we heard discussions about the original Avengers returning to the MCU, saw a Mean Girls sequel (kind of), and learned the secrets of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 post-credits scenes and Easter eggs. But in the mix of all of that, there have been some truly exciting announcements and reveals we wouldn’t want you to miss out on.

LEGO/Blumhouse/Adult Swim

Here are some of our favorite pop-culture news odds & ends from this week.

This Week’s Odds & Ends in NewsJump to:Horror Sequels Galore! The Black Phone 2 Will See Return of Original Cast, Terrifier 3 Sets Release Date and Shares Teaser, and It Follows 2 Is On the WayAnother John Wick Spinoff Show and an Anime Series Are Apparently In Development Poltergeist TV Series Is in Development at Amazon MGM Studios Disney+’s Cancelled Captain Nemo TV Series Nautilus Saved By AMC The Fall of the House of Usher Prop Auction Invites You to Purchase Something Haunted and StylishBratz Dressed Up as Barbie for Halloween, and Rick and Morty Dressed as Five Nights at Freddy’sThe Boys Will Likely Have More Seasons Than Originally Planned Sesame Street Is Changing Its Format to Include “More Peril”Fourth Wing TV Series in the Works From Amazon and Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier SocietyJurassic World LEGO Sets Are Roaring to Life in January 2024 Horror Sequels Galore! The Black Phone 2 Will See Return of Original Cast, Terrifier 3 Sets Release Date and Shares Teaser, and It Follows 2 Is On the Way

Fall may be drawing to a close, but Halloween season never is. And it’s a good thing, too, because a ton of horror sequels are coming our way.

The truly terrifying Universal and Blumhouse movie, The Black Phone, is set for a sequel. The Black Phone 2 will release on June 27, 2025 and, per Variety, it will be the “launch of a sinister new franchise.”

We don’t yet know much about what The Black Phone 2 will entail, but in a fascinating turn of events, The Black Phone‘s original cast will all return for more scary calls. Yes, Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Jeremy Davies, and Miguel Mora will all return for the sequel terror.  Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill will also return to write The Black Phone 2. We have chills already.

Blumhouse and Universal

Terrifier 3 and its terrifying slasher Art the Clown will arrive in theaters on October 25, 2024, for another round of Christmas horror. We can’t wait to see what terrifying naughty-list mayhem will transpire.

To get us into the holiday spirit, Terrifier 3 has shared its first teaser trailer, and it’s certainly festive. Santa who? A release further shares of Terrifier 3, “The upcoming installment will be Christmas-themed, adding an extra layer of anticipation for horror enthusiasts. In the third installment of Damien Leone’s breakout horror film, Art the Clown is set to unleash chaos on the unsuspecting residents of Miles County as they peacefully drift off to sleep on Christmas Eve.” We’ll be seeing this Saint Nick in our dreams tonight.

Cineverse

It Follows will also receive a sequel titled They Follow. The writer and director of It Follows, David Robert Mitchell, will return for the sequel alongside star Maika Monroe. It Follows was a movie that encapsulated the terrifying feeling of someone always lurking behind you, and we bet its sequel will double the sensation.

RADiUS-TWC

In case you were curious, we’ve broken down the horoscopes of 12 iconic horror villains.

12 Iconic Horror Villains and Their Zodiac Signs

Another John Wick Spinoff TV and an Anime Series Are Apparently In DevelopmentMurray Close/Lionsgate

Surprise! Another John Wick spinoff series is apparently in development, according to John Wick director Chad Stahelski. And that’s not all, a John Wick anime is in the works as well. Stahelski noted to Collider, “We’re doing a John Wick TV show, which, again, keeps my head going.” And added, “I would love to do a couple of episodes of the TV show just because I think I’d have fun trying things that we didn’t get to try in the films. I mean, absolutely. There’s some great ideas. And to work with a different cast and a different story structure without John Wick, it would be a fun challenge.”

He also shared with The Discourse podcast, which we saw via IGN, that “Lionsgate is having us develop the John Wick TV show, so we thought we could explore The High Table in that a little bit.” But confirmed this was separate to The Continental. Stahelski noted, “Yeah, I love Donnie [Yen], I love Rina [Sawayama], love the Tracker (Shamier Anderson), and the TV show and the ancillaries will give us a chance to expand the kind of fun world we’ve created… It doesn’t have to be John Wick, the character specific, you know what I mean, so that we can explore all that stuff.” Of course, which, if any of these characters would stare in a new John Wick TV series has not yet been confirmed.

On top of that, Stahelski broke the news that a John Wick anime is also in development. He shared, “We’re doing that and a Japanese anime because I love Japanese anime so much… So to create all the cool stories that anime could achieve better than we could and the TV show to expand our world, we’ll still get our fix, you know what I mean? And we’ll still have all the fun.” We guess we’ll stay tuned to see what develops.

As if that weren’t enough John Wick, John Wick 5 is still on the table.

JOHN WICK 5 Is Currently in the Works at Lionsgate

Poltergeist TV Series Is in Development at Amazon MGM Studios MGM

You can never be free of some ghosts. Variety reports a series adaptation of the classic ’80s movie Poltergeist is in the works at Amazon MGM Studios. Currently, no plot details or writers are attached to the series. However, we know “Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey will executive produce on behalf of Amblin Television.” In 1999, Showtime released a four-season series adaptation set in Poltergiest‘s world—but television has come a long way since.

For more horror-based TV, check out what we know about Max’s The Conjuring show.

THE CONJURING TV Series Will Deliver Evil to Max

Disney+’s Cancelled Captain Nemo TV Series Nautilus Saved By AMC

In a worrying streaming trend, shows are being ordered and completed only to be canceled before release. But sometimes, there is good news. Deadline reports that although Disney+ canceled its Nautilus series, a 10-episode TV show based on Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, AMC has now saved the series. Nautilus will air on AMC and AMC+ in 2024 and tell the origin story of the iconic Captain Nemo.

To see what we learned about Nautilus initially, check out our write-up here:

Disney+ Orders NAUTILUS, a Captain Nemo Origin Story

The Fall of the House of Usher Prop Auction Invites You to Purchase Something Haunted and StylishNetflix

Mike Flanagan’s final show with Netflix, The Fall of the House of Usher, was filled with horrifying yet beautiful visuals. If you loved the show’s aesthetic, you can now take a part of it home with a special prop auction.

The Fall of the House of Usher auction will take place from November 15-29 with 100% of its proceeds going to charity. Among other items, you can bid on “Verna’s (Carla Gugino) Rave Costume with Red Cloak,” “Napoleon ‘Leo’ Usher’s (Rahul Kohli) Drywall-Covered ‘Thor’ Hammer Replica,” and “Arthur Pym’s (Mark Hamill) Briefcase with Files and Accessories.”

For more about The Fall of the House of Usher‘s aesthetic, take a look at what its use of color really means.

What Does THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER’s Cryptic Color Coding Mean?

Bratz Dressed Up as Barbie for Halloween, and Rick and Morty Dressed as Five Nights at Freddy’s

Happy Halloween from our favorite franchises. In a bit of a shady move, some Bratz dolls dressed as the unimpressed teens looking at Barbie for Halloween—a truly hilarious spin on a Barbie movie costume which was, admittedly, very popular this year.

You can run but you can’t hide bitch #rickandmorty pic.twitter.com/QPrDYTPcZt

— Rick and Morty (@RickandMorty) October 31, 2023

Meanwhile, Rick and Morty‘s characters disguised themselves as Five Nights at Freddy’s animatronics, homaging the popular game series that just released its movie adaptation. We love series dressing as series!

Bratz/Adult Swim

If you enjoyed Five Nights at Freddy‘s, you may be wondering what that sound at the end of the credits means.

What Do the Letters at the End of FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S Credits Spell and Mean?

The Boys Will Likely Have More Seasons Than Originally Planned Prime Video

The Boys showrunner Eric Kripke originally planned for the series to have a five-season run. But it looks like that number is now defunct, and The Boys will likely have more seasons than that. Kripke shared with Inverse, “I have since realized that literally, no one in history is worse at predicting the amount of seasons of a show, like literally. I have learned my lesson, and I’ve stopped predicting how many seasons these shows go. You will find out in hindsight.” With the popularity of The Boys and its spinoff Gen V, that seems like a fair assessment to us.

Catch up with Gen V‘s most gory and shocking moments, here:

The Most Shocking, Gross, and Plain Weird Moments of GEN V Season 1

Sesame Street Is Changing Its Format to Include “More Peril”PBS

Sesame Street wants you to know you can reinvent yourself at any age. Recently, The Hollywood Reporter revealed Sesame Street‘s format would be “reimagined” for season 56. The show will drop its “magazine style” format, which has been around for decades, in favor of “two longer, more narrative-driven segments, which will be paired with a new animated series, Tales From 123.”

Wilson Stallings, the executive VP and chief creative development and production officer for Sesame Workshop shared, “Kids love a little bit of peril, they love having emotional stakes, and in nine minutes, it’s kind of hard to really dive into those areas really effectively.” The show hopes to be able to tell a more compelling tale with these changes.

Be that as it may, we have to wonder, does Sesame Street really need more peril?

All we have to say is that Sesame Street had better keep gems like this.

TED LASSO’s Brett Goldstein Teaches an ‘F’ Word on SESAME STREET

Fourth Wing TV Series in the Works From Amazon and Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier SocietyEntangled: Red Tower Books

Amazon MGM Studios and Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society will be bringing to life a TV series based on Rebecca Yarros’ popular fantasy series, Fourth Wing. This overall deal includes all the books from the Fourth Wing universe titled The Empyrean, including its sequel Iron Flame, releasing on November 7, and the three books slated to follow.

Per Variety, the logline for the TV series shares:

Enter the brutal world of Basgiath War College where there is only one rule: Graduate or Die. Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail expected to live a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general― her tough-as-talons mother―has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders. If the fire-breathing beasts don’t kill her, one of her fellow riders just might. Suspense, action, romance, and dragons blend together in a propulsive fantasy adventure from NYT bestselling author Rebecca Yarros.

In other fantasy novel adaptation news, House of the Dragon season two will release in the summer of 2024.

HOUSE OF THE DRAGON Season 2 Will Release in Summer 2024

Jurassic World LEGO Sets Are Roaring to Life in January 2024LEGO

Show off your dino love with these two new Jurassic World LEGO sets. First up is a Dinosaur Fossils: T. rex Skull LEGO set, which turns LEGOs into bones. The official description of the set shares, “The first Jurassic World set made for display features a skull with an opening jaw, a stand with an information plaque, a hidden ‘amber’ piece at the back of the model and a ‘fossilized’ footprint.” Honestly, building a T. rex skull out of LEGOS, teeth and all, is pretty cool.

LEGO

Also available is the “Baby Dinosaur Rescue Center” LEGO set and it comes complete with a bunch of, you guessed it, baby dinos. D’aww. Both Jurrasic World LEGO sets will release on January 1, 2024.

Click To View Gallery LEGO LEGO LEGO

For more creative and nature-focused LEGO fun, check out LEGO’s insect collection.

LEGO’s Insect Collection Will Have Fans of Nature Buzzing

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Godzilla Meets THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: TEARS OF THE KINGDOM in Super Fun Fan Film

That very familiar Godzilla roar is currently coming from a very odd source. Thanks to the folks at IGN, we’ve discovered how one Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Godzilla fan has mashed up both properties together for a fan film. Created by sumoguri2323 on Twitter, they have made a whole Godzilla-inspired film entirely within Tears of the Kingdom, and it’s genuinely a sight to behold. And it’s all thanks to Tears of the Kingdom’s customizable crafting mechanics. You can watch this short fan film, which currently has over a million views on Twitter and counting, down below.

神事#ゼルダの伝説 #TearsOfTheKingdom #Zelda #ゴジラ pic.twitter.com/cukf2fbCrq

— スモグリ (@sumoguri2323) November 23, 2023

In this short video, we witness as a Lurelin Village must contend with the Zonai/Godzilla hybrid kaiju emerging out of the ocean depths. And it’s about to treat the poor village and its inhabitants in the very same manner that Godzilla usually does with Tokyo. They created the mashup of Godzilla and the Zonai using Zonai materials and devices and the Ultrahand ability. We see tanks fire on the rampaging creature with abandon. But once we hear that familiar roar, and see the electricity charge up its spine? We just know that the poor village is toast. Also, points for using the classic Godzilla theme from the old Toho movies. It really adds to the whole mood.

Nintendo/Legendary Pictures/Warner Bros.

Godzilla is having quite a moment this year. The Big Guy currently appears (sporadically anyway) in the excellent Monarch: Legacy of Monsters series on Apple TV+. Plus, he’s starring in two movies. There’s the Japanese Godzilla Minus One, and next year’s continuation of the Monsterverse version, with Godzilla x Kong: The New Kingdom. But we’ll take any version of the King of the Monsters we can get. Even one with a Legend of Zelda makeover. Now, is anyone out there up for Zonai/Mothra mashup?

Editor’s Note: Nerdist is a subsidiary of Legendary Digital Networks

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SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 First Look Shows Off Shadow’s Shoes

The Sonic movie universe is something that I never saw coming. Well, not since I dreamed about it in the ‘90s as a lover of the speedster’s video games and TV show. But that is what we got when the first Sonic film sped into theaters at the beginning of 2020. You know, back in the olden days before, well, all of this stuff happened. Since then, we’ve gotten the gift of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 with famous characters like Tails and Knuckles (the best angry sweetie ever) coming into the fold. Better yet, we got news back in February that a third Sonic the Hedgehog movie and a Knuckles series were coming soon. Now, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 officially has a release date. The third Sonic movie is coming on December 20, 2024. It’s a holiday celebration, so we expect to see our favorite characters sipping hot chocolate. 

Running faster, flying higher, and punching harder. #SonicMovie3 hits theatres on December 20, 2024. pic.twitter.com/DcFGbaKUao

— Sonic the Hedgehog (@SonicMovie) August 9, 2022

Now, what will happen in the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 movie? We don’t know any firm details right now. But we do have our first look at the movie. And it stars some iconic shoes belonging to a certain Shadow.

Off and RUNNING. #SonicMovie3
Only in theatres December 20, 2024 pic.twitter.com/BUIlurNIC0

— Sonic the Hedgehog (@SonicMovie) November 29, 2023

The end of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 left us with the Wachowskis taking in even more furry and powerful creatures. Tails and Knuckles are part of the family alongside Sonic, and they are guarding the Master Emerald. But the end of the film hinted at a new set of troubles. We find out that Shadow the Hedgehog is in a secret facility, primed to break out and cause havoc. And we bet that havoc will head our way in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

Paramount+

In the game universe, Shadow was created by Doctor Eggman’s grandfather and plays more of an antihero role in many storylines. Think the Punisher vs. Daredevil except with much less violence. We aren’t sure if Shadow the Hedgehog will be the sole villain in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, but they certainly won’t be friends. The Wachowskis cannot take in another cartoony animal at this point. And, he will give Knuckles something to smash. Our guy likes a good fighting/venting session.

Until then, fans can rewatch the second Sonic film on Paramount+. Hopefully, we will get the Knuckles series to carry us through until 2024. In either case, we feel excited to finally know when we can expect Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

Originally published on August 9, 2022.

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Netflix Games Adds GRAND THEFT AUTO Trilogy

Most mobile games are fun time wasters but lack the true appeal of a real video game. But now, Netflix is looking to change all of that with its Netflix Games offering. Netflix Games takes the concept of the Netflix we know, hosting content on its streaming platform so it can be watched more widely, and applies it to video games. Additionally, Netflix promises no ads, no extra fees, and no in-app purchases in its mobile games. And we can all agree those are the worst parts of the mobile game genre. Soon, it seems like we’ll even be able to play Netflix Games on our TV screens and PCs. Netflix has shared it wants the games to be “playable on every Netflix device that you have.” And apparently, code from the Netflix app seems to confirm.

Basically, for those who need a more convenient way to play some familiar titles, Netflix has you covered. Let’s take a look at which real video games get the mobile treatment via Netflix Games.

The Grand Theft Auto Trilogy

BIG NEWS: GTA III, Vice City, and San Andreas from the Grand Theft Auto Series are coming to Netflix Games for mobile on December 14! pic.twitter.com/qe9DGOHXyO

— Netflix (@netflix) November 29, 2023

Grand Theft Auto III, Vice City, and San Andreas from the Grand Theft Auto Series are coming to Netflix Games on December 14. And these are some of the biggest games yet to join the platform. Netflix shares that these games will specifically arrive on mobile interfaces. It’s pretty exciting stuff. According to Netflix, the popular games will be available to play via the App Store, Google Play, and through the Netflix mobile app. You can pre-register for the games today.

Hades

Fan favorite video game Hades (also known as the Hades game) is heading to Netflix Games next year. At least, the rogue-like game will be available on iOS. Unfortunately, Hades will not come to Netflix Games users on Android. Still, this is a pretty exciting piece of news. Its arrival on Netflix Games will open up Hades to a whole new audience of players.

A release shares:

In this action role-playing game, you have one mission: get out of Hell alive. You’ll play as Zagreus, the son of Hades, as you attempt to escape the Underworld with the help of various Olympic deities. In Hades, you’ll fight to escape the regions of Tartarus, Asphodel, Elysium, and the Temple of Styx before facing the God of the Underworld himself in a final battle. Can you hack and slash your way out of the depths of Hell, or will you be doomed to the dungeons forever? From Supergiant Games, the hugely successful Hades will be available exclusively on iOS via Netflix starting next year. 

Slayaway Camp 2: Netflix & Kill

Netflix and kill? That sounds like a horror movie in the making. But it’s actually the latest entry into Netflix Game’s catalog.

This puzzle game is actually a sequel to a 2016 game called Slayaway Camp which was released on Steam, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Both games see you play as Skullface, a kind of adorable but deranged slasher. The official description shares, “In this sequel, you’re Skullface, a killer stuck inside a retro horror movie catalog — solve puzzles, stalk victims and get stabby.”

TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge recently released as a full-blown video game that paid homage to the retro Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles games of the late ’80s and early ’90s. But for those who’d rather play on their phone, Netflix has converted Shredder’s Revenge into a mobile game you can play on the move. All the fun callbacks, retro goodness, and Ninja Turtle-ness stay intact, but no console is required. Cowabunga!

Tomb Raider Reloaded

Although this game isn’t a direct Netflix recreation of an existing video game, it does share some similarities to the games Tomb Raider and Tomb Raider: Anniversary. In it, you play as Lara Croft, who encounters the mysterious Natla and gets tempted by adventure. This entry into Netflix Games promises “a wide variety of puzzles and face off against different enemies and bosses — both new and familiar to the Tomb Raider series — including bloodthirsty wolves, poisonous snakes, fearsome golems and magical elemental creatures!” Sounds like some good adventure on the horizon.

Valiant Hearts: Coming Home

Valiant Hearts: The Great War is a puzzle adventure game developed for consoles. This popular World War I set game can now be played on mobile courtesy of Netflix Games. Happy the Valient Hearts: Coming Home mobile game retains the graphic novel style of the original and the characters at the heart of its story. The mobile version promises a story every bit as compelling and beautiful as the first.

Twelve Minutes

Twelve Minutes is originally a Steam game with a seriously loaded cast. James McAvoy, Daisy Ridley, and Willem Dafoe lend their voices to this interactive thriller. The game revolves around a man trapped in a terrifying time loop that is fated to go on and on unless he/you uses his foreknowledge to break the cycle. Netflix’s rendition of Twelve Minutes replaces the click-and-drag gameplay of the desktop version with a similar “tap and drag” system, and it retains all of the voice talents to boot. Not to mention, the trailer for this mobile version definitely has us at the edges of our seats.

Dust & Neon

Dust & Neon, a Nintendo Switch game also on Steam, has arrived on Netflix Games. This game takes place in “a futuristic Wild West, where robots have rejected their life of servitude, and taken over the planet, turning it into a not-so-enjoyable place for humans.” And it’s up to you to fight robot oppression… Which you can now do on your phone. Netflix Games promises that this mobile game will have every bit as much futuristic, gunslinging, cyborg vs. robot shooter action as its Switch predecessor.

How to Download and Play Netflix GamesNetflix

Ready to explore these mobile versions of real video games for yourself? If you have Netflix, you’re almost there. To access the games, first, download the Netflix mobile app itself. Then, in the app store, you can look up all these different games. Once you download them, as you would any app, they’ll appear in the “Netflix Games” section in the overall Netflix app. You can also start in the Netflix app itself, go to the games sections, and look up different games from there.

In addition to versions of full games, Netflix has other original mobile games; a few are even based on its different properties, like Stranger Things and Wednesday. As far as mobile gaming goes, Netflix seems like a pretty good bet. So go forth and crush some small-screen challenges.

Originally published on February 22, 2023.

The post Netflix Games Adds GRAND THEFT AUTO Trilogy appeared first on Nerdist.

Post-Ash POKÉMON HORIZONS Series Sets 2024 US Release Date on Netflix

Every good thing must eventually come to an end. And on Pokémon, that means saying goodbye to the beloved hero Ash. After 25 years, Ash left the world of Pokémon. But that doesn’t mean the show is ending. On the contrary, a new story is beginning. And we still don’t know how Ash will play into it, if at all. Maybe someday, we’ll see our favorite protagonist again, but for now, Pokémon Horizons: The Series, a “new animated Pokémon series” is dawning. Meet Liko, Roy, their Pokémon, and the rest of the gang that will step in as Pokémon’s new heroes. Those are bigger sneakers to fill, but we’re excited to see what happens next. Especially since we now have a US release date for this new Pokémon show.

What Is Pokémon Horizons US Release Date, and Where Will It Stream?The Pokémon Company

Pokémon Horizons: The Series is officially coming to the United States. This new Pokémon series will premiere in the US on February 23, 2024, and it will stream exclusively on Netflix. A release shares that this “all-new Pokémon animated series that will follow a never-before-seen storyline and characters, will The launch comes just in time to celebrate Pokémon Day 2024, the annual pop-culture holiday commemorating the launch anniversary of the original Pokémon video games on Feb. 27, 1996.”

The Pokémon Company

Additionally, Pokémon Horizons: The Series has set some international release dates as well. The series “will be releasing in Canada on Cartoon Network and Télétoon beginning March 2, 2024, and in Australia on 9Go! beginning Feb. 27, 2024.” 

That’s very exciting for all the Pokémon trainers out there.

More about Pokémon Horizons: The Series

In a trailer for the new iteration of Pokémon, fans learned the official name for the post-Ash adventures. The new Pokémon series is called Pokémon Horizons: The Series, and it’s teasing mysterious adventures linked to a special pendant that shares a bond with our new heroes.

The official synopsis for the show shares:

A new adventure is beginning within the wide world of Pokémon! Arriving at Indigo Academy, a girl named Liko receives her first partner Pokémon, Sprigatito. But she soon finds herself pursued by the Explorers, a mysterious group that’s determined to take the pendant necklace she wears. Liko isn’t on her own, though, as Friede, Captain Pikachu, and the other Rising Volt Tacklers offer her protection aboard their airship. Meanwhile, a boy named Roy dreams of becoming a Pokémon Trainer, unaware of the secret hiding within the Ancient Poké Ball he carries. As Liko, Roy, and the Rising Volt Tacklers set sail for new horizons, what kind of discoveries await?

Pokémon Horizons‘ New Heroes

We also know a little bit more about who we’ll meet in Pokémon Horizons: The Series, thanks to a different trailer for the new Pokémon show. There’s Liko, “the girl with the awe-inspiring pendent.” We bet evil will be trying to snag that. And Roy, “the boy with the mysterious Poké Ball.” Surely, a match made in heaven. These two will be our new Pokémon protagonists in the series.

Joining them are Friede and Captain Pikachu. Friede, we learn, is a Pokémon professor. Captain Pikachu is clearly a boss. We also see a lot of the Gen. 9 starters we met in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet in this new series trailer. Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly were instant fan favorites, so we’re not surprised they show up. And we’re excited to see them in action. Liko, whose partner Pokémon appears to be Sprigatito, and Roy, whose partner Pokémon is Fuecoc, may have a more traditional start to their Pokémon journey than Ash did, but we know we have twists in store. We wonder, for instance, what role Quaxly will have to play.

Additional new characters for Pokémon Horizons have also been revealed.

◢◤#アニポケ 表情イラスト公開◢◤
フリードと共に飛行船で旅をする
ライジングボルテッカーズのメンバーたち🎊

メカ好きなオリオ、料理が得意なマードック、
治療のスペシャリスト・モリー、そして謎の釣り人・ランドウ

個性豊かなメンバーの活躍に、ご期待ください！ pic.twitter.com/wMSw0S7b3s

— アニメ「ポケットモンスター」公式 (@anipoke_PR) March 29, 2023

Per Comicbook, these images include Orla and her Metagross, Murdock and his Rockruff, Mollie and her Chansey, and Ludlow.

We may even meet some mysterious new Pokémon on the journey.

#アニポケ 新シリーズがついに放送スタート！

本日の初回1時間スペシャルで、不思議な光に包まれたリコと #ニャオハ が見たものは一体…⁉

今後の放送もお楽しみに🌟 pic.twitter.com/UUfA9Gbvbh

— アニメ「ポケットモンスター」公式 (@anipoke_PR) April 14, 2023

And it seems like they’ll cross over into the Pokémon games, like the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC expansion The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero.

A newly discovered Pokémon appears in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero for Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet!

Its splendid aura is reminiscent of the Legendary Pokémon Terapagos, but this Pokémon’s name and true nature are shrouded in mystery.

❤️💜 #PokemonScarletViolet pic.twitter.com/rOkwI8sFuv

— Pokémon (@Pokemon) April 17, 2023

Pokémon‘s New Villains

Okay, so we can’t say for sure these are the villains, but they certainly do seem villainesque. According to Crunchyroll, this new post-Ash Pokémon trailer introduces us to Amethyo and his Pokémon Ceruledge, as well as Zir, whose Pokémon is Rhydon and Conia, whose Pokémon is Golduck. It sounds like these three belong to a new organization called “The Explorers.” Since Team Rocket has officially waved goodbye to Pokémon, we will need someone to stir up trouble.

There’s also a fourth mysterious Pokémon character called Gurumin, who wears a Nidorina kigurumi. Makes total sense to us!

If these are Pokémon’s newest villains, we can’t wait to learn more about them soon. We’ll have to wait to learn their identities and goals.

But for now, time has come to set off on new Pokémon adventures, and we couldn’t be more ready.

Originally published March 3, 2023.

The post Post-Ash POKÉMON HORIZONS Series Sets 2024 US Release Date on Netflix appeared first on Nerdist.

Blumhouse’s NIGHT SWIM Trailer Gives Rise to a Delightful Demon Pool Entity

What are you afraid of? That question has countless answers. We all have different things that give us chills, whether it is a damp basement or leaving our bedroom door open while we sleep. One legit fear that I have is deep, dark waters. I do not want to go for a night swim nor do I desire to go far out into the ocean. Everything I cannot clearly see frightens me. I’m surely not alone in this because there’s an entire movie confirming this fear. The trailer for the upcoming supernatural horror film Night Swim introduces a lady pool demon that nabs those who dare dive into her waters. 

Here’s a quick synopsis of Night Swim to bring its trailer into focus: 

Based on the acclaimed 2014 short film by Rod Blackhurst and Bryce McGuire, the film stars Wyatt Russell as Ray Waller, a former major league baseball player forced into early retirement by a degenerative illness, who moves into a new home with his concerned wife Eve (Kerry Condon), teenage daughter Izzy (Amélie Hoeferle) and young son Elliot (Gavin Warren). 

Secretly hoping, against the odds, to return to pro ball, Ray persuades Eve that the new home’s shimmering backyard swimming pool will be fun for the kids and provide physical therapy for him. But a dark secret in the home’s past will unleash a malevolent force that will drag the family under, into the depths of inescapable terror. 

Ahh there’s nothing like moving into a home and finding out it is a haunted place. Night Swim will hit theaters on January 5, which may give some movie fans pause. Historically, January is notorious for being the place where bad films go to die.

Atomic Monster/Blumhouse

But after the success of M3GAN last year, there’s a chance Night Swim will be a thrilling watch. In fact, Atomic Monster and Blumhouse—both producers of M3GAN—are behind Night Swim alongside James Wan. Bryce McGuire is writing and directing this watery adventure, which makes sense considering he helped create the original short film. Let’s see what this killer Pisces queen (please let her team up with Samara from The Ring) has in store for the Wallers.

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TED Returns in Full Trailer for Peacock Prequel Series

A lot has changed in the last 30 years, like how Jurassic Park turned into Jurassic World. Plus I’m sure some other things are different since then, too. But one thing that hasn’t changed, even during the streaming era, are television mini-series events. And since a certain magical talking bear was technically alive in 1993, he’s a perfect candidate to get one in 2023. Seth MacFarlane’s Ted is getting a special prequel mini-series at Peacock, and you can check out the trailer and first-look images for it below.

The talking teddy bear who sounds a lot like Peter Griffin is back. Only this time we’re going back to a much earlier time in his life. Here’s the prequel series’ official synopsis from Peacock:

In this comedic prequel event series to the Ted films, it’s 1993, and Ted the bear’s (Seth MacFarlane) moment of fame has passed. He’s now living back home in Framingham, Massachusetts with his best friend, 16-year-old John Bennett (Max Burkholder), along with John’s parents, Matty and Susan (Scott Grimes and Alanna Ubach) and cousin Blaire (Giorgia Whigham). Ted may be a lousy influence on John, but at the end of the day, he’s a loyal pal who’s always willing to go out on a limb for friendship.

Peacock

Not the most informative synopsis ever, but in a press release Seth MacFarlane shared some insight into the inspiration behind the show. Despite the silly nature of Ted, the series is very personal to him. And also silly.

Each generation develops its own unique artistic style, its own way of seeing the world. In the twenties, it was the subversive musical phrasings of jazz. In the fifties, it was the bold brushwork of the abstract expressionists. Our generation’s unique art is streaming content based on previously successful intellectual property. In that proud tradition, we humbly give you Ted.   

Our series is a prequel to the Ted movies. It takes place in the nineties but is based on the timeless truth that being sixteen sucks. The only thing that makes it tolerable is going through it with a friend, even if that friend is a has-been magical teddy bear with a foul mouth and a proclivity for drug use.  

The three of us were teenagers in the nineties and grew up in and around Boston, where the show takes place, so many of these stories are personal for us. We were able to put the characters through some of the same indignities and milestones we experienced back then. Also, we made stuff up (it’s a lot of pages to fill and real life is mostly boring).  

Peacock

The streamer also provided three images from the seven-episode “event.” They look very much like a throwback ’90s series. One where a teddy bear gets high with a teenager, which would have technically made for a “special event” episode in the ’90s.

Peacock

All seven episodes of the Ted series will debut on Peacock on January 11, 2024, so we won’t have to wait for a new one every week. And that is very different from how things worked 30 years ago.

Originally published on November 16, 2023.

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THE SANDMAN Shares Season 2 First Look, Kicks Off Production on New Episodes

Netflix’s adaptation of The Sandman premiered its first season in August 2022. The series brought the comic book series by writer Neil Gaiman and a number of artists to the screen in a faithful retelling. In many instances, it brought the comic book panels to life. We spent time with Morpheus and Dream, but we barely got to know the whimsical and fantastical world of the Endless. However, it’s time for more stories. Last November, Netflix confirmed The Sandman is a go for more. And now, new episodes of The Sandman are officially in production. Fans of the Endless rejoice.

The Sandman Season 2 Shares New Look at Dream and Desire

To celebrate the 35th anniversary of The Sandman, Netflix announced that more episodes of its hit series were officially in production. And if that weren’t enough, the streamer actually gave us a behind-the-scenes look at Tom Sturridge (he/him, Dream) and Mason Alexander Park (they/them, Desire) in action. We certainly feel excited by this brief new glimpse of the show.

Netflix

Additionally, Neil Gaiman penned a letter to fans celebrating The Sandman‘s journey and evolution. The letter can be read in full here, but in it, Gaiman notes of the Netflix series:

This week we officially restart production on the next sequence of stories of The Sandman for Netflix. Genius show runner Allan Heinberg and the countless people in front of and behind the camera are building something endlessly special, and bringing these stories to life in a way that would once have been unimaginable.

A journey is beginning that will take us from Destiny’s garden to Hell, from the Heart of the Dreaming to Ancient Greece and revolutionary France, and from there to places even I cannot quite imagine on the screen. I will be patient. Good things are coming.

The Sandman Teases New Episodes

Yes, it’s true: The Sandman will return to Netflix!

"There are some astonishing stories waiting for Morpheus & the rest of them… Now it’s time to get back to work. There’s a family meal ahead… And Lucifer is waiting for Morpheus to return to Hell," says @neilhimself pic.twitter.com/TbA3hnD5f6

— Netflix (@netflix) November 3, 2022

To celebrate the new episodes of The Sandman, Netflix even released a short teaser featuring Morpheus’ helm. And we got a logo, “The dream continues.” We love it. A release from Netflix also shares that the show will return with even more new “episodes and stories to be adapted from multiple The Sandman graphic novels.” For now, though, we have not received confirmation on episode count and story details. We will, however, get The Sandman profile icons.

You dared to Dream (and, y'know, kept asking me when and whether they were going to show up). And it's happening! The Sandman profile icons are coming to Netflix! Let joy be unconfined! (I'm going to be Goldie. No, Matthew. No, Goldie.) pic.twitter.com/wZDTsFKvFc

— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) November 3, 2022

More new episodes of The Sandman were not guaranteed at any point, even with the show’s success. In a since-deleted tweet, Gaiman noted the show “is really expensive” and that for Netflix to order another season, The Sandman had to “perform incredibly well.” Given that how Netflix measures success is not entirely transparent, we’re not positive what kind of metrics led to this continuation. But we’re glad to see that they have.

More About the The Sandman‘s Next Chapter

Offering us more information about this new, next chapter of The Sandman, Gaiman notes in a release:

Millions upon millions of people have welcomed and watched and loved The Sandman on Netflix, from established Sandman fans to people who were simply curious, and then became obsessed with the Lord of Dreams, his family and their goings-on. It gives me unbelievable pleasure to say that, working with Netflix and Warner Bros., Allan Heinberg, David Goyer and I will be bringing even more of The Sandman stories to life. There are some astonishing stories waiting for Morpheus and the rest of them (not to mention more members of the Endless Family to meet). Nobody is going to be happier about this than the Sandman cast and crew: they are the biggest Sandman fans there are. And now it’s time to get back to work. There’s a family meal ahead, after all. And Lucifer is waiting for Morpheus to return to Hell…

Netflix

What we do know is that we’re looking forward to seeing more of the Endless. Season one of The Sandman brought a story that showed us why adaptations exist. It brought in a moving deep cut from the Hellblazer comics. And it even wrapped up with a surprise bonus episode. The original Sandman comics series includes ran for 75 issues. So, the series has plenty of material to pull from. The show has plenty more rich, sometimes twisted characters to introduce and explore.

As for when the release date for the new episodes of The Sandman will be, it’s likely going to take a moment.

Originally published on November 3, 2022.

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