Chris Hardwick's Blog, page 44

LEGO Reveals Batman Arkham Asylum Set

Thanks to recent comics and especially the video game series, Arkham Asylum has become maybe the most famous and popular location in Batman’s world, second only to the Batcave itself. A creepy, Gothic manor retrofitted into a facility for the criminally insane has enough atmosphere for dozens of stories. It also makes for the perfect big ol’ building set from LEGO. As announced Wednesday evening, the LEGO Group have unveiled the latest addition to their DC Batman collection. LEGO DC Batman Arkham Asylum will be both a display piece and “a unique 24-day Advent calendar.” Intriguing.LEGO

The set has a robust 2,953 pieces and splits into three segments. First floor, second floor, and roof, plus removable elements that make it possible to access the interior. Each room (or cell) has an opening door and the set also has an “inmate delivery van” (can’t be what that’s really called) plus 65 stickers referencing Batman lore. But as LEGO people know, the real draw of these sets are the minifigures. The Arkham Asylum set comes with 16 minifigures of well known heroes and villains. Batman, Batwoman, Batwing, Robin, Mr. Freeze, The Riddler, Poison Ivy, Catwoman, Scarecrow, Harley Quinn, Bane, The Joker, The Penguin, Killer Croc, and 2 security guards. You can pretend one of the guards is Aaron Cash if you’d like.

Take a look at the set in the gallery below.

Click To View Gallery LEGO LEGO LEGO LEGO LEGO LEGO

The folks at LEGO maintains builders can assemble this set gradually as an Advent calendar. It would certainly make it easier and more manageable. Something to look forward to for sure each day.

The LEGO DC Batman™ collection: the LEGO DC Batman™ Arkham Asylum™ set will be available
for LEGO Insiders* Early Access starting 9th September 2025 at LEGO.com/Arkham and via
LEGO Stores, with availability for all from 12th September 2025, priced at €299.99 / £269.99 /
$299.99. *LEGO Insiders membership required.

Kyle Anderson is the Senior Editor for Nerdist. He hosts the weekly pop culture deep-dive podcast Laser Focus. You can find his film and TV reviews here. Follow him on Letterboxd.

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WICKED: FOR GOOD LEGO Sets Give You a Sneak Peek at the Movie

Get ready for your shelves to change “for good.” Because at San Diego Comic-Con, LEGO revealed its Wicked sets, and yes, they are wickedly good. If you’re a fan of the Wicked movie, and let’s face it, who isn’t a fan of the Wicked movie, not only will these LEGO sets tantalize you with their fannish fun, BUT they’ll also give you a sneak peek glimpse at some highly-anticipated moments from the upcoming Wicked: For Good movie. Elphaba’s magical woodland retreat? Glinda’s wedding dress? Even the dramatic final scene of the movie?! These Wicked: For Good LEGO sets have it all. Let’s take a look at what each one of them has to offer.

LEGO® Wicked Emerald City Wall Art (75685)LEGOAge Grade: 18+MSRP: $159.99Piece Count: 1518Global Launch Date: Sept. 1, 2025Wicked: For Good LEGO Set Description: Bring the magic of the world of Wicked to your home with this colorful wall art. Use the bricks to create a colorful artwork full of movie moments that’s a rewarding treat for yourself, or a gift for any Wicked fan. Build with friends or family and enjoy social time with loved ones as you create this eye-catching display, which can be wall-hung or placed on a shelf.LEGOLEGO® Wicked Elphaba’s Retreat (75687)LEGOAge Grade: 7+MSRP: 27.99Piece Count: 228Global Launch Date: Sept. 1, 2025Wicked: For Good LEGO Set Description: Step inside Elphaba’s magical woodland retreat. Hold the candle as she studies her map. Make plans with her and Fiyero round the fireplace and work out how to thwart The Wizard. Study the Grimmerie and escape from her enemies. Make friends with the rabbits, feed them a carrot and relax with nature in the beautiful woodland hideaway.LEGOLEGO® Wicked Glinda’s Wedding Day (75688)LEGOAge Grade: 8+MSRP: $39.99Piece Count: 476Global Launch Date: Sept. 1, 2025Wicked: For Good LEGO Set Description: Take your front row seat for Glinda’s big moment. She looks stunning in her tiara and gown, ready to marry Fiyero. Part the butterflies to reveal the wedding scene. But something is wrong! Use the animal figures to play out how Glinda’s wedding joy suddenly changes. When the play is over, close the butterflies to make a super cool display.LEGOLEGO® Wicked Emerald City & Kiamo Ko Castle (75689)LEGOAge Grade: 9+MSRP: $79.99Piece Count: 860Global Launch Date: Sept. 1, 2025Wicked: For Good LEGO Set Description: Join Elphaba and Glinda for the dramatic final scene of the Wicked: For Good movie. Build the detailed Emerald City and Kiamo Ko Castle and act out how the story ends for these two iconic characters. Explore the buildings’ secret compartments and uncover familiar details from the film. Read the Grimmerie with Glinda and use it as a force for good. Help Elphaba disappear and follow her destiny.LEGOLEGO LEGO® Wicked Glinda & Elphaba Visit Munchkinland (75690)LEGOAge Grade: 9+MSRP: $69.99Piece Count: 744Global Launch Date: Sept. 1, 2025Wicked: For Good LEGO Set Description: Welcome to Munchkinland. Join in the celebrations as Glinda announces her engagement to Fiyero. Press the pedal to surround her in her bubble and let her fly above Munchkinland. On the other side of town, catch up with Elphaba, who has flown to Boq’s family cottage on her broomstick. Explore his home, from his cozy bedroom to the cute kitchen and recreate magical scenes from Wicked: For Good.LEGOLEGO® BrickHeadz™ Wicked Elphaba & Glinda Figures (40794)LEGOAge Grade: 10+MSRP: $19.99Piece Count: 325Global Launch Date: Sept. 1, 2025Wicked: For Good LEGO Set Description: Join Elphaba and Glinda for magical adventures and creative fun as you conjure up spellbinding scenes from Wicked with this authentically detailed pair of collectible LEGO® BrickHeadz™ figures. This buildable toy looks great displayed alongside other BrickHeadz characters (sold separately). You can even combine elements to create hybrid characters of your own.

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These Wicked: For Good LEGO sets will release in September, which means you’ll have plenty of time to build them before the movie hits theaters on November 21, 2025.

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STRANGER THINGS LEGO BrickHeadz Let You Build Your Own Party

If there’s one thing we know, it’s that Stranger Things‘ Mike Wheeler, Dustin Henderson, Lucas Sinclair, and Will Byers would love LEGO builds of themselves. Our favorite nerdy characters would be jumping for joy (and then pretending to be cool about it) to see themselves as LEGO’s latest BrickHeadz collectibles. But ‘lo it so! Stranger Things is heading back to the world of LEGO in this SDCC 2025 reveal, and it’s bringing the Party along with it. Check out everything we know about LEGO BrickHeadz’ latest Stranger Things collectibles featuring Mike Wheeler, Dustin Henderson, Lucas Sinclair, and Will Byers.LEGO

Rightside up or Upside Down, these Stranger Things LEGO figures are so friggen cute, we’re obsessed. And the good news is, they also won’t break the bank. The Stranger Things LEGO BrickHeadz are $39.99 and have a piece count of 542. It’s a build that you or the younger Stranger Things fan in your life can tackle with ease. (Much more ease than Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will will have when facing Vecna in Stranger Things 5. We guess we should all be glad there’s not a Vecna figure included in the pile. We bet the Party sure are.)

LEGO

The official description of these Stranger Things LEGO BrickHeadz shares, “Transport yourself to the Upside Down with a LEGO® BrickHeadz™ collectible featuring Netflix’s Stranger Things characters, Mike Wheeler, Dustin Henderson, Lucas Sinclair and Will Byers. Standing on sturdy baseplates, these authentically detailed characters are fun to build, play with and put on display. They also look great alongside other buildable figures from the LEGO BrickHeadz range (sold separately).”

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STRANGER THINGS 5 Trailer Is as Explosive as It Is Terrifying as We Welcome Final Season

These Stranger Things LEGOs will release on October 1, 2025. We love an October release for a Stranger Things toy. It just feels right. That’s just enough time to snag the LEGO set (and get it built) before Stranger Things 5, Volume 1 releases on November 26.

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LEGO’s Game Boy Set Is Retro and Really Rad

It’s the most wonderful time of the yeeaaarrrr! No, we aren’t talking about Christmas, although we do love it. We are talking about San Diego Comic-Con, the biggest event for geeks and nerds in America. The panels, big reveals, costumes, and exclusive items are all a part of this always exciting event that we at Nerdist look forward to covering extensively this year. If you’re heading out to Cali for some fun, sun, and cool merchandise, then you’ll want to stop by LEGO’s absolutely awesome booth #2829 in Hall H. There are several new LEGO sets making their debut for SDCC 2025, including this retro and really rad Game Boy one.

Let your inner gamer get into the brick building fun that’s a 1:1 replica of the iconic handheld gaming system. The set design also has the Game Pak slot and comes with The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening and Super Mario Land Game Paks. And, when you’re done with your build, you can display it with the classic Nintendo start screen or one from either of the interchangeable Game Paks.

Click To View Gallery LEGO/Nintendo LEGO/Nintendo LEGO/Nintendo LEGO/Nintendo

Here’s what you need to know about this 421-piece set that’s designed for the adult builders of the world: 

To celebrate a revolutionary time in video game history, the LEGO® Group is bringing a true icon to brick form, the original Game Boy™ system from Nintendo®. At a scale of near 1:1, the LEGO Game Boy model building kit is a testament to a classic era in gaming and with authentic details and much-loved features is a nostalgic throwback to the classic system.

This collectible 421-piece brick-built replica of the original Game Boy handheld game system comes with all the memorable features, the +Control Pad, A and B Buttons, and SELECT and START, alongside other iconic Game Boy details, such as the contrast adjustment and volume dial.    

What Is the Release Date for the LEGO Game Boy Set? 

The LEGO Game Boy set retails for a respectable $59.99 and is currently available for pre-order. The set will launch on October 1, 2025. 

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BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER Reboot Kicks Off Production

For a long time, Sarah Michelle Gellar has denied any desire to return to her role as “The Chosen One,” Buffy Anne Summers. But recently, Gellar said she might be interested, thanks to the success of legacy sequels like Dexter: Original Sin, in which she stars. Now, it’s official — Buffy the Vampire Slayer is coming back to stake the undead, in a new sequel series reboot from Hulu. Via Variety, we’ve learned that the pilot has an official order from Nora Zuckerman and Lila Zuckerman. The former Poker Face showrunners will write, show run, and executive produce. Oscar winner Chloé Zhao is attached to direct and executive produce the Buffy reboot. However, that’s likely just for the pilot episode. Regardless, we feel excited about this development because the Buffy reboot has officially kicked off production. We can’t help but feel this makes everything in the world just a little bit better.

According to a recent Deadline interview with Disney TV executive Eric Schrier, Gellar is an executive producer for the Buffy reboot along with Poker Face’s showrunner and her sister, who is a writer, penning the scripts.

“Sarah Michelle Gellar has been a part of it from the get-go as well; she is an executive producer,” he affirmed. “[Executive producer] Gail Berman is back; she’s been behind the scenes trying to pull it all together. We have Nora and Lilla Zuckerman writing it, whom we have a deal with; they’re great.”

Gellar continues to give updates about the Buffy reboot, saying that things are moving forward nicely. “We’ve set up our offices, which means things are progressing probably faster than I’d anticipated,” Gellar told People. “But it’s going to be a process, I think… to do it the way it needs to be done, everyone has to be patient with all of us, because this isn’t something that [will just happen].” 

The Buffy the Vampire Slayer Reboot Sequel Series Will Focus on a New Slayer

Although the series will still use the title Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the Buffy sequel series will focus on a new Slayer. Gellar will appear in a recurring role rather than leading this reboot series. The original Buffy the Vampire Slayer series finale in 2003 ended with girls all over the world activating their Slayer powers. So there will now be a generation of Slayers who might need Buffy Summers, the Prime Slayer, as their mentor. We can easily see that as the premise of this Buffy the Vampire slayer reboot sequel series. We’ll just have to wait and see to know for sure, though.

Twentieth Century Television

TVLine reports that this new Slayer will be more like Willow than Buffy. The publication reports, “That new Slayer, TVLine can exclusively report, seems to skew more Willow than Buffy. Per preliminary and subject-to-change intel, she’s a cerebral 16-year-old named Nova (though we’re fairly certain that name is just a placeholder) who is very smart and a bit of a loner….Her buddies, aka those who would’ve been considered the “Scoobies” in the original series, will include Hugo, an out-and-proud nerd who comes from money, and Gracie, a young expert on vampires who’s an acolyte of Gellar’s Buffy.”

Ryan Kiera Armstrong has been cast as this new character.

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The BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER Reboot Has Found Its New Chosen OneBut Sarah Michelle Gellar Will Absolutely Return as Buffy Summers

Although she may not be the main character anymore, Sarah Michelle Gellar will always be the main character in the hearts of Buffy fans. And we’re so glad that Gellar will return as Buffy Summers in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot sequel series. We couldn’t have done it without her. Sarah Michelle Gellar recently spoke out on her Instagram about returning as the iconic character. Here message was both heartfelt and gorgeous, focusing on how right this reboot is for Gellar, Buffy fans, and the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer as a whole.

One name you’ll notice not attached is that of original Buffy creator and showrunner Joss Whedon. Once upon a time, the notion of a Whedon-less Buffy series without its creative voice would have been blasphemous. But in the last few years, Whedon’s name has become toxic. Several of his former Buffy cast, as well as several Justice League cast members, have accused him of running an unpleasant set to say the least. Regardless, as the series creator, he’ll probably cash some form of check for the series even if he has no creative involvement anymore. Additionally, except for Sarah Michelle Gellar’s exciting return, we have no confirmation about other former cast members or writers coming on board for the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot sequel series. But we expect a lot more news on this one in the months ahead.

REad Next

The BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER Characters We Want to See Most in Hulu’s Reboot Series

Originally published on February 3, 2025.

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Why CRITICAL ROLE’s Video Game DISPATCH Is a Surprising Yet Smart Move for an Expansive Future

Critical Role’s video game might not be the flashy new AAA project that some were hoping for. But it’s something that feels right on brand for the growing media company. This week, Critical Role announced a new video game partnership with AdHoc Games, the indie LA-based studio behind the upcoming game DISPATCH. Details about the new game were rather scarce, but we know that the game will be set in Exandria, will be a new storyline that features some popular characters from Critical Role campaigns. It will be a narrative choice game in the vein of Telltale’s once-popular genre of games.

It wasn’t a surprise that Critical Role was pursuing a video game project (they are a bunch of video game voice actors after all). However, the decision to partner with a relatively new studio was something of a surprise. Although AdHoc was formed by industry vets (including many who once worked at Telltale Studio), they don’t have much of a track record. In fact, DISPATCH is their first video game release. The narrative choice game was also something of a surprise, given that CRPGs like Baldur’s Gate 3 are currently back in vogue. Critical Role feels like a natural fit for a meaty RPG game.

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CRITICAL ROLE Announces Original Video Game Set in Exandria

However, the Telltale style of narrative focus game is actually a great fit for Critical Role’s goal of storytelling. Given that a core mission of Critical Role is to tell and encourage captivating storytelling, a game whose primary focus is on the narrative makes a whole lot of sense. The AdHoc founding team was behind some of the best storytelling games of the 2010s, with The Walking Dead and The Wolf Among Us both becoming enormously popular based on the strength of their captivating storytelling.

This style of game would only be heightened with the sort of high stakes and danger found in Critical Role’s core campaigns, especially when a single choice can bring long consequences to would-be heroes. A game where narrative choices not only matter but are the actual core game mechanic fits Critical Role’s ethos perfectly.

For those wondering about whether AdHoc can capture Critical Role’s unique blend of irreverent comedy and high-stakes drama, they need to look no further than the upcoming project DISPATCH. The first trailer for the game revealed a unique take on superheroes, with a former superhero forced to work at a dysfunctional hero agency after his mech-suit is destroyed in battle. The game itself features both Laura Bailey and Matthew Mercer among its cast and shows that a narrative choice game can be more than “choose your own adventure” as the core gameplay loop also involves choosing which heroes to dispatch to stop various crimes.

Critical Role

A narrative choice video game comes with more practical considerations as well. The development timeline for that style of game will likely be much shorter than a AAA video game, which means that we won’t likely have to wait 5 or more years before the game is released. A smaller budget coupled with a major fanbase like what Critical Role brings means that the game is much more likely to be a success, which should (at least in theory) pave the way for more Critical Role games in the future. Instead of mortgaging the future on a splashy project, Critical Role has opted for a safer choice that feels much more up their alley.

Critical Role clearly thinks highly of DISPATCH. Not only did they tap AdHoc to make their first long-awaited video game, they also announced a partnership with AdHoc to develop DISPATCH into an animated series and develop tabletop games based on the project. Obviously, a DISPATCH TTRPG makes the most sense. Critical Role did just hire two tabletop RPG luminaries to run their game studio. but it’s clear that Critical Role sees a lot of room to expand DISPATCH beyond its video game roots.

In fact, Critical Role’s embrace of DISPATCH might be the more notable development in this announcement. Critical Role has provided support to other video games in the past. But this is the first time that Critical Role has entered into a partnership to develop an animated series and other content based on a video game.

Given the popularity of video games in other media (especially at Amazon Prime, which Critical Role also has a partnership with), it seems like the company is crucially looking for IPs to help elevate. This is, again, keeping with the franchise’s central ethos of promoting storytelling. And it’s also an intriguing sign of how Critical Role’s transformation into a media giant may evolve.

In the end, Critical Role fans should be pretty happy about this announcement. We’re finally getting a Critical Role video game and it’s made by some of the best narrative craftspeople in the business. The game should come out in just a few years and should be a fantastic entry point into the world of Exandria. Plus, we’re going to find out what Critical Role does with someone else’s IP and whether they can find a way to grow an intriguing indie property into something bigger. Their success could offer a blueprint for other indie games in the future.

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LILO & STITCH 2 Brings Back Co-Creator Chris Sanders as Script Writer

Lilo & Stitch’s live-action film made a ton of money at the box office and delighted many kids (and kids at heart). Who can resist a blue furry pal and an adorable story about love and family? I certainly cannot. So it is not shocking that Disney announced that Lilo & Stitch 2 is in development. June 26 (626) was the perfect day to reveal this news considering that’s Stitch’s experiment number. The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Lilo & Stitch‘s co-creator Chris Sanders will write the script for the next live-action sequel.

There’s no further word on the Lilo & Stitch live-action sequel at this time. That makes sense considering the announcement is fresh. The Instagram video for the Lilo & Stitch 2 news is adorable, with our favorite guy zipping around town with the top down. What a vibe. 

We can assume that the cast will return in their respective roles. And perhaps the film will get a quick turnaround so fans don’t have to wait forever for more Ohana joy.

Walt Disney Studios

That’s one thing we need a lot more of these days. 

Originally published on June 26, 2025.

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SPINAL TAP II: THE END CONTINUES Drops First-Look Photos

These days, nearly every ‘80s and ‘90s movie is getting or has already had a legacy sequel. But we bet this is one you did not expect to ever see. We learned in May 2022 that Rob Reiner was re-teaming with the original cast of his debut film This Is Spinal Tap for a sequel titled Spinal Tap II: The End Continues. Aside from directing, Reiner will also star again in his role as filmmaker Marty DiBergi. Also coming back are David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer), and Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest). The original movie is one of the all-time cult classics of the era. It’s even part of the National Film Registry. Spinal Tap‘s sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, will be released in theaters on September 12.

Now, we have some first-look photos for Spinal Tap II: The End Continues.

Click To View Gallery Bleecker Street Bleecker Street Bleecker Street

Rob Reiner gave a basic premise for the new film, saying the following:

I’m back playing Marty DiBergi. The band was upset with the first film. They thought I did a hatchet job and this is a chance to redeem myself. I am such a big fan and I felt bad they didn’t like what they saw in the first film. When I heard they might get back together, I was a visiting adjunct teacher’s helper at the Ed Wood School of Cinematic Arts. I drop everything to document this final concert.

Embassy Pictures

Additionally, a synopsis released by Spinal Tap II: The End Continues‘s producers shares, “Spinal Tap II follows the band as they reunite after a 15-year break for one final concert.”

In 2023, Reiner appeared on RHLSTP with Richard Herring and said of the This Is Spinal Tap sequel, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, “Everybody is back.” He added Elton John and Paul McCartney will feature in the sequel, as will Garth Brooks.

This Is Spinal Tap pretty much invented the mockumentary format. The film’s screenwriter and star Christopher Guest even turned the format into a whole career. Especially with films such as Waiting for Guffman and Best in Show. In the past, the fictional band has actually played several concerts, always leaving audiences cheering for the ridiculous songs from the film. We can’t wait to hear the songs they’ll perform now that they’re all senior citizens trying to recapture their glory days in the sequel for This Is Spinal Tap.

As mentioned, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues will release on September 12, 2025.

Originally published on May 12, 2022.

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THUNDERBOLTS* Director Jake Schreier Talks Making an MCU Movie, Tackling X-MEN, and More

Thunderbolts* was a return to form for the MCU, yet unlike anything that came before it in the franchise. It delivered another Marvel team, only this one mostly featured secondary characters who saved the day with empathy and hugs. What was it like to lead a movie about loneliness and depression for the world’s biggest superhero series? Nerdist spoke to director Jake Schreier about what it was like making an MCU movie. And we since we talked shortly after Kevin Feige confirmed Schreier will helm Marvel Studios’ X-Men movie, we also touched on what lessons from Thunderbolts* he’ll bring with him while directing mutants.Chuck Zlotnick/Marvel Studios

Nerdist: We’re talking because the film just came out on digital and it’ll soon be out on Blu-ray. So in a way, you’re at the end of your Thunderbolts* experience. How do you feel now that you’ve gone through the full cycle of making an MCU movie?

Jake Schreier: I feel really grateful. Really grateful for the experience and for the people that I met. I remember our Production Designer Grace Yun, when she and I went into it, because she had never done something at this scale and neither had I, she was like, “It’ll be going to grad school.” And three years later at the end of that process I feel like that came true. All of us learned so much from doing this. That’s a special thing, to be able to do something that pushes you, that you’ve never done before, that feels kind of almost like too much at first. Then, to get to the other side of that, and feel really grateful for the connections you made, such wonderful actors and wonderful crew.

And also to just be proud of it. It’s weird to maybe say that for yourself. But for the people involved I’m genuinely proud. I watched Lewis [Pullman]’s performance and I’m proud of him. He came in and that’s such a hard part to pull off. He worked so hard on it and he cared so much. And you could say that for all of the actors. Florence [Pugh] and everything she brought to it. Obviously that’s Florence. She always does that. But I really only have positive feelings about what we did and getting through it and the experience of making it.

And maybe that’s the thing that’s interesting. A little less because we got to watch it with people a few times, but otherwise, then it’s kind of out in the world. You’re not necessarily part of that conversation. But you do think back just on the experience of the thing. And it’s been fun to just check in with everyone and stay in touch. Everyone just feels really good about what that was.

You said it’s all positive, but from your first meeting with Marvel Studios to today, what surprised you most about this process, both good and bad?

Schreier: I was surprised at just how much support and encouragement there was to kind of go and take a swing and go in a new direction with this film. And I don’t mean that as this one in particular. I think that Kevin [Feige] really loves filmmakers and loves movies and wants things to be different. He would always say, “People talk about the ‘Marvel look.’ I don’t know what the ‘Marvel look’ is. I just want good movies made.” That was really welcome and really nice.

Not that I expected there not to be support, but if the movie feels different it’s because he pushed for it to be that way. I embraced that challenge. But it’s not like I came in and was trying to pull it away and there was resistance. The movie is what it is because Brian Chapek, Lou D’Esposito, Kevin, and everyone at Marvel asking for us to take it someplace. I don’t know that I expected even that, just how much they wanted that to be true and how much support there was for that.

Marvel Studios

You recorded your director’s commentary the day the movie came out, so you didn’t have a chance to hear from fans yet. What about the response from viewers has made you the happiest and what has maybe caught you off guard a little bit?

Schreier: We had some sense [of fans’ reactions]. I asked to do the commentary as late as possible because…do you remember Commentary Tracks Of The Damned? That’s my nightmare, where you just don’t want to do it too early and then not know how it’s going to sound.

I don’t know if it’s surprising, but it’s really nice when people connect to Bob and what he’s going through. And also Yelena and the way they connect. If people feel like they see something of themselves in the movie, something that they’ve gone through, that was the sort of idea of making a movie about something like this. Even if it seems like kind of an unexpected thing to make a superhero movie about, these kind of feelings of depression or emotional complications, these aren’t niche ideas anymore. That essentially everyone has, at least at one time or another, struggled with a version of that. To see that come true and have people reach out and be like, “This reminded me of this really hard time I was going through,” we had hoped for that. But it was nice to see it actually come true.

Marvel Studios

In your commentary track, you talk about how Thunderbolts* is very meta and how it deconstructs superhero movies. Would you have been as eager to make an MCU film if you’d been offered a more traditional installment?

Schreier: It’s hard to answer that, you know what I mean? There’s certainly something about this one that felt right for me. And look, there’s a big long pitching process. So if you’re right for it or not that will be revealed through the process and many conversations.

I do think that there’s something about these characters, the fact that they’re a little less expected and more off kilter, that did feel more like a good fit for what I could bring to it. But I think, just in that it’s not the most well-known group of Marvel heroes, that also provides an opportunity to take a swing and do something different with it.

In your commentary, you share certain aspects were ideas you pitched. What’s the best idea you pitched that didn’t make it in

Schreier: If it didn’t make it in, it probably wasn’t a very good idea. And I had a lot of bad ideas, I’m sure. It’s hard to remember now because it’s a three year process and I’m very tired. But that’s what’s so nice about the place, is that it’s just “best idea wins.” [Marvel] really encourages that, from Eric Pearson, Sonny (Lee Sung Jin), Joanna Calo, Brian, Kevin, Lou, and our editors like Harry Yoon and Angela Catanzaro.

You never stop trying to make the movie better. It’s a constant set of ideas and how they can work their way into it. So that’s what’s sort of nice. We were always trying to make it better and make the best decision we can make under the circumstances. So I don’t look back and feel like, “Oh, we should have done this or that.” I understand why we made the choices we made and I feel good about what we did.

Marvel Studios

Even if you don’t really look back, are there any ideas that didn’t quite get there that you still think, “I wish we had kind of cracked the code?”

Schreier: They’re not ideas. I say in the commentary track there’s a couple of sequences that I think I could have done a better job directing

On the commentary, you mentioned the fight scene where Yelena protects Bob while looking for John.

Schreier: Yeah. And Bob flying up in the air. There’s some conceptual stuff that you learn where it’s like, “Don’t have a character fly up into a night sky with no lighting.” It’s just not a recipe for a movie where I mostly feel really good about the blend of practical effects and CG, the way the action looks, and feeling grounded and human.

That’s a moment where it’s not a flaw of anyone’s work. The same great people who did all the other things did that. It’s me putting people not in a position to succeed conceptually. That’s a real learning curve. And that hallway fight, we didn’t crack it. We just had put such a massive amount of effort into that first vault fight because that’s going to introduce all the characters and the details. We planned every shot of it and we had pre-edited it and we were dropping things in and editing as we went. And the hallway fight, it’s a tough one because, again, all the lights are off, there’s smoke, but it didn’t quite land in the way to meet the standard of the other stuff.

So it’s more things like that. I can see why that happened. It’s a bandwidth thing and really just trying to stay ahead and make sure that there’s a strong concept for each sequence. That’s something that I definitely would want to improve on going forward.

You didn’t touch on this in your commentary, and I was curious while listening: How much input, if any, did you have into which characters would make up the Thunderbolts?

Schreier: That’s really the team, Eric Pearson and Brian Chapek. I had one bad idea in the early pitching process and it was summarily dismissed.

What was the idea?

Schreier: I mentioned this and everyone acts like it wasn’t a serious thing. I think in my first pitch meeting I was like, ”What if Man-Thing were on the team?” And they were like, “That’s cute. We’re already doing something with Man-Thing.” But yeah, the team essentially was in place in the first draft I read. And then the big change was midway through the pitching process before I was on the movie, Eric and Brian put Sentry the Void into it. That was such a great, interesting addition. Once that was in that really drove where we went with the rest of the story. There wasn’t a lot of lineup discussion after that.

Marvel Studios

You can blame your boss for this. What are the most important lessons, be it successes or failures from Thunderbolts*, you’re now going to take with you into X-Men?

Schreier: The big feeling after getting done with this is that it felt like such a challenge and a learning curve, because I’d never done something like this before at this scale, and just when you get to the end you feel like, “Oh, I kind of, just a little bit, know better how to do this now.” Not that I figured it out. But that I just have a better sense. And you want to take those lessons and apply them going forward.

Obviously [X-Men] is an ensemble film and, inherently whatever it ends up being, is going to deal with complicated characters. I just really love what I do and especially these days, it’s not to be taken for granted to get the opportunity to do it. And to get to work on things at a scale that really still challenges you. That you feel like you have a lot to learn from and you get to work with the best crew in the world and the best actors in the world and learn from them.

The lesson of Thunderbolts* is also the lesson of making the movie, which is that you cannot do this alone. You really have to lean on a great team and it’s the only way to get through this stuff. And definitely, looking back on Thunderbolts*, I mainly take away that I feel really, really lucky.

I say this on the commentary as you’re going through those end credits, I know all those people. Every little line that just goes by so fast, I could talk to you for an hour about what they brought to the movie and how crucial they are to it. And yet that’s just as true of the next line that’s scrolling by. That to me is the biggest thing going forward. Just really being excited to work with an incredible team.

And, hopefully in the same way that everyone did on Thunderbolts*, have everyone bring some part of themselves to the movie. I think Thunderbolts* feels very personal to Florence. I think it feels very personal to Lewis. It definitely feels personal to me. If everyone can leave a movie feeling that way, then that puts you in a great position to make something that hopefully resonates with people.

Marvel Studios

Unlike Thunderbolts* where you said that the lineup was already set, will you have a say in which mutants are going to appear?

Schreier: :pause: If it’s okay, I’m going to leave out any more detail. I can say that we’ve started working on it and it’s very exciting. That’s what I can say.

You might give me the same answer, but can you at least say, hypothetically, which mutant you would be most excited to direct?

Schreier: I definitely cannot answer that question, but I totally don’t mind you asking it. Sorry. It’s very nice to talk to you and you seem very nice. And I would like to have a nice conversation with you about this. But then I have to consider the internet. So I will plead the fifth.

In fairness, by asking I’m also considering the internet.

Schreier: Yes. No, I know that. And I appreciate that.

Thunderbolts* arrives on Blu-ray on July 29, 2025.

Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist. He appreciates Jake Schreier calling him “nice.” You can follow him on Bluesky at @burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.

The post THUNDERBOLTS* Director Jake Schreier Talks Making an MCU Movie, Tackling X-MEN, and More appeared first on Nerdist.

Lestat Is Looking Good in New Photos from INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE Season 3

Interview with the Vampire season two is one of the finest TV shows we’ve ever seen. The dramatic, queer, and rich world of the show aged like fine wine from its first to second seasons. And that makes us especially excited to see what Interview with the Vampire season three has in store for us. We don’t know too much about what awaits us yet, but we do know it will be sexy, stylish, and rock and all.

In new first-look images from Interview with the Vampire season three (via EW), also known as The Vampire Lestat, we see Sam Reid’s Lestat, the Brat Prince himself, looking every inch the vampiric rock star god we know him to be.

First look at Sam Reid in ‘INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE’ Season 3.

(Source: https://t.co/v1Vbr2VaTe) pic.twitter.com/dMRRTcknFc

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 22, 2025

Sam Reid in ‘INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE’ season 3.

(https://t.co/1em09KgjGt) pic.twitter.com/y3BjG0cJLD

— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) July 22, 2025

Here’s everything we know so far about Interview with the Vampire season three.

Title

Normally, for a season of TV, we’d skip the title section. But it’s Lestat’s world and we’re all just living in it. Interview with the Vampire season 3 will be called The Vampire Lestat, natch.

Interview with the Vampire Season 3 Plot

Veering away from the inner-world of Louis de Pointe du Lac, season three of Interview with the Vampire is all Lestat, all the time. The Vampire Lestat, as we say. This season, Lestat, put out by his portrayal in Louis and Daniel Molloy’s book Interview with the Vampire is going on a rock star tour to correct the narrative. What could go wrong? Interview with the Vampire season three will be an adaptation of the novel The Vampire Lestat, but we’re sure it will make the book its own, as the prior seasons of the show have done with Interview with the Vampire.

AMC

You can catch the official Interview with the Vampire season three teaser trailer up top, and check out its official synopsis below:

In season three, resentful of the perfunctory portrayal in the trashy bestseller “Interview With The Vampire,” the Vampire Lestat sets his story straight in a way only the Vampire Lestat can—by starting a band and going on tour.  Gabrielle. Nicholas. Magnus. Marius. Those Who Must Be Kept. They join Louis, Armand, Molloy, Sam, Raglan, Fareed and others we can’t tell you about yet on a sexy pilgrimage across space, time and trauma. No Auto-Tuning. No Trigger Warnings. All Feels Amplified.“

Behind the Scenes

Interview with the Vampire season three is executive produced by Mark Johnson (who oversees AMC’s Anne Rice Immortal Universe). Rolin Jones serves as creator, writer, and showrunner. Mark Taylor, Christopher Rice, and the late Anne Rice also serve as executive producers. 

RELATED ARTICLE

Eric Bogosian Dives Into Daniel Molloy, Elder Queer Representation, and All Things INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE Interview with the Vampire Season 3 CastAMC

Sam Reid returns in Interview with the Vampire season three as the titular Vampire Lestat. Joining him are his true love, Louis de Pointe du Lac, played by Jacob Anderson, the newly turned Vampire Daniel Molloy, played Eric Bogosian, the vengeful/gremlin Armand played by Assad Zaman, and many other faces familiar to fans of the Interview with the Vampire books. The synopsis lists a few new characters we’ll see, including “Gabrielle, Nicholas, Magnus, Marius, Those Who Must Be Kept,” and more. But no casting information has yet been announced.

Interview with the Vampire Season 3 Release Date

Interview with the Vampire season three is now filming and will be released sometime in 2026.

RELATED ARTICLE

Eric Bogosian Confirms ‘Armand Told the Truth’ Tattoo Is NOT on Daniel’s Arm in the INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE Season 3 Teaser Trailer

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