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2025 Emmy Nominations Go Big on Genre with SEVERANCE, ANDOR, THE PENGUIN and More

Every year at Nerdist, we scan the Primetime Emmy nominations to see if our favorite genre shows earned recognition from the Television Academy. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t. This year they did. Big time. Severance, Andor, The Last of Us, and The Penguin are all up for a whole lot of trophies at this 2025’s Emmys.

Harvey Guillén and Brenda Song announced the nominees for the 77th annual Emmy Awards, and innies and outies alike have reason to celebrate. Apple TV’s sci-fi workplace smash hit, Severance, leads the way with a whopping 27 Emmy nominations in 2025. Right behind it with 24 is a show we didn’t expect to have so many. Not because it doesn’t deserve them, but because it’s technically a superhero show. HBO’s The Penguin garnered 24 Emmy nominations for the 2025 season. Hollywood satire The Studio tied for third overall alongside The White Lotus with 23 nominations.

The Last of Us (16) and Andor (14) also made this year’s Emmy nomination ceremony an especially successful one for genre television, even if Andor‘s dearth of acting nominations doesn’t sit right with us. Somehow, only Andor‘s Forest Whitaker nabbed an Emmy nomination for Drama Actor in a guest role in 2025. Fortunately, the acting categories across the drama, comedy, and limited series categories are overflowing with 2025 Emmy nominations big stars we love like Adam Scott, Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Quinta Brunson, Kristen Bell, Gwendoline Christie, Quinta Brunson, Ayo Edebiri, Jason Segal, Martin Short, Kathryn Hahn, Bryan Cranston, and so so much more. The casts and guest stars of Severance, The White Lotus, and The Studio are well represented.

Apple TV/Lucasfilm/HBO

Other notable nods include Harrison Ford’s first Emmy nomination ever. Catherine O’Hara also got two 2025 Emmy nominations that show why she’s the best. She earned a nomination for both drama (The Last of Us) and comedy (The Studio).

Even Agatha All Along (3) and The Acolyte (1) got on the scoreboard, showing just how far genre TV has come. Not that long ago, neither show would have even been considered for an Emmy nomination. Now, a Star Wars series is up for the night’s biggest award alongside a show about fungal zombies. Will either win a 2025 Emmy? Or will they both lose out to a series where employees with split brains randomly find a department full of goats?

The fact that we even get to ask that question proves genre TV is already a big winner at this year’s Emmys.

You can find the full rundown of every 2025 Primetime Emmy category and the nominees here. We’ve also listed some of the most notable categories below.

2025 Emmy Nominations List

Drama Series

Andor
The Diplomat
The Last of Us
Paradise
The Pitt
Severance
Slow Horses
The White Lotus

Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Sterling K. Brown – Paradise
Gary Oldman – Slow Horses
Pedro Pascal – The Last of Us
Adam Scott – Severance
Noah Wyle – The Pitt

Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Kathy Bates – Matlock
Sharon Horgan – Bad Sisters
Britt Lower – Severance
Bella Ramsey – The Last of Us
Keri Russell – The Diplomat

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Zach Cherry – Severance
Walton Goggins – The White Lotus
Jason Isaacs – The White Lotus
James Marsden – Paradise
Sam Rockwell – The White Lotus
John Turturro – Severance
Tramell Tillman – Severance

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Patricia Arquette – Severance
Carrie Coon – The White Lotus
Katherine LaNasa – The Pitt
Julianne Nicholson – Paradise
Parker Posey – The White Lotus
Natasha Rothwell – The White Lotus
Aimee Lou Wood – The White Lotus

Drama Guest Actor

Giancarlo Esposito – The Boys
Scott Glenn – The White Lotus
Shawn Hatosy – The Pitt
Joe Pantoliano – The Last of Us
Forest Whitaker – Andor
Jeffrey Wright – The Last of Us

Drama Guest Actress

Jane Alexander – Severance
Gwendoline Christie – Severance
Kaitlyn Dever – The Last of Us
Cherry Jones – The Handmaid’s Tale
Catherine O’Hara – The Last of Us

Comedy Series

Abbott Elementary
The Bear
Hacks
Nobody Wants This
Only Murders in the Building
Shrinking
The Studio
What We Do in the Shadows

Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Adam Brody – Nobody Wants This
Seth Rogen – The Studio
Jason Segel – Shrinking
Martin Short – Only Murders in the Building
Jeremy Allen White – The Bear

Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Uzo Aduba – The Residence
Kristen Bell – Nobody Wants This
Quinta Brunson – Abbott Elementary
Ayo Edebiri – The Bear
Jean Smart – Hacks

Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Ike Barinholtz – The Studio
Paul W. Downs – Hacks
Harrison Ford – Shrinking
Jeff Hiller – Somebody Somewhere
Ebon Moss-Bachrach – The Bear
Michael Urie – Shrinking
Bowen Yang – Saturday Night Live

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Liza Colón-Zayas – The Bear
Hannah Einbinder – Hacks
Kathryn Hahn – The Studio
Janelle James – Abbott Elementary
Catherine O’Hara – The Studio
Sheryl Lee Ralph – Abbott Elementary
Jessica Williams – Shrinking

Comedy Guest Actor

Jon Bernthal – The Bear
Bryan Cranston – The Studio
Dave Franco – The Studio
Ron Howard – The Studio
Martin Scorsese – The Studio
Anthony Mackie – The Studio
Dave Chappelle – Saturday Night Live

Comedy Guest Actress

Olivia Colman – The Bear
Jamie Lee Curtis – The Bear
Cynthia Erivo – Poker Face
Robby Hoffman – Hacks
Zoe Kravitz – The Studio
Julianne Nicholson – Hacks

Limited or Anthology Series

Adolescence
Black Mirror
Dying for Sex
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
The Penguin

Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series

Colin Farrell – The Penguin
Stephen Graham – Adolescence
Jake Gyllenhaal – Presumed Innocent
Brian Tyree Henry – Dope Thief
Cooper Koch – Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story

Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series

Cate Blanchett – Disclaimer
Meghann Fahy – Sirens
Rashida Jones – Black Mirror
Cristin Milioti – The Penguin
Michelle Williams – Dying for Sex

Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

Javier Bardem – Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
Bill Camp – Presumed Innocent
Owen Cooper – Adolescence
Rob Delaney – Dying for Sex
Peter Sarsgaard – Presumed Innocent
Ashley Walters – Adolescence

Supporting Actress, Limited Series or Movie

Erin Doherty – Adolescence
Ruth Negga – Presumed Innocent
Deirdre O’Connell – The Penguin
Chloë Sevigny – Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
Jenny Slate – Dying for Sex
Christine Tremarco – Adolescence

Outstanding Talk Series

The Daily Show
Jimmy Kimmel Live
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert

Reality Competition Program

The Amazing Race
RuPaul’s Drag Race
Survivor
Top Chef
The Traitors

Variety Scripted Series

Last Week Tonight With John Oliver
Saturday Night Live

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The DC Comics History of SUPERMAN and Pocket Universes

One of the key plot elements of James Gunn’s Superman is Lex Luthor’s so-called “pocket universe.” In the film, it’s an artificially created dimension that the evil genius made by creating his own mini Big Bang. It’s a dangerous and unstable reality, where Lex hides prisoners and enemies from the prying eyes of the real world. Among them, Superman himself. And this pocket universe nearly consumes Metropolis. But the character of Superman has a long history with artificially created pocket universes in the comics, one that led to one of the Man of Steel’s greatest personal tragedies in the DC Comics universe.

DC Studios

In the post-Crisis on Infinite Earths reboot of the DC Universe in 1986, Superman’s mythos and personal history were greatly changed. Writer/artist John Byrne decided to return Superman to his 1938 roots, arriving in Metropolis as an adult hero. This meant that all of the character’s adventures as Superboy, protecting Smallville with his superdog Krypto, were no longer canonical. However, that created a host of problems with one of DC Comics’ then-popular series, Legion of Super-Heroes.

DC Comics

The Legion debuted in 1958, at the dawn of the Silver Age of comics. They appeared as three superpowered teens from the 30th century, who traveled back in time to meet their idol, Superboy. They invited Clark to join their team, and for the next several decades, the Legion of Super-Heroes became one of DC’s most popular comics. By the early ‘80s, the Legion no longer needed Superboy to anchor their series. But he was still their inspiration, and supposedly a member for years. Yet, in the new Post-Crisis DC continuity, Superman was never Superboy. So how could this all work in continuity?

DC Comics

The answer that John Byrne and DC’s editors came up with involved the Legion’s powerful villain, the Time Trapper. This hooded being, who manipulated timelines, used his vast power to “slice” a moment of history from the main reality. Thus, isolating this new reality that he created as its own “Pocket Universe.” While DC has a multiverse composed of infinite realities, a pocket universe is distinctly an artificial creation. This idyllic Earth had a traditional Smallville, and a heroic Superboy. This fabricated pocket universe was where the Legion traveled to from their future, never traveling to their true past. Not long after the truth came to light, Superboy died in battle, honored as a hero in the Legion’s future era.

DC Comics

But without a Superboy, the Pocket Universe’s 20th-century Earth had no one left to protect it. So that universe’s Kryptonian Phantom Zone criminals, including General Zod, conquered the whole planet. When that world’s Lex Luthor fought against their invasion, they annihilated almost everyone on the planet. Our Superman traveled to what was left of this world, and chose to execute Zod and his cohorts for the murder of billions. So, Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel has a comic book precedent contained in this story as well, when that version of Kal-El killed General Zod, breaking his no-killing rule.

DC Comics

The Pocket Universe in DC Studios’ Superman is very different, as it is more of a liminal space than a planet with an ecosystem of its own. (What exactly are they breathing in there?) In fact, this interdimensional prison has more in common with something in the pages of Marvel Comics than DC. During the Civil War event storyline, Reed Richards and Tony Stark imprisoned criminals (and some heroes) in a prison inside the Negative Zone, which itself is a form of pocket universe. This feels more in line with what the pocket universe in Superman is. Still, the concept of an artificially created universe plays heavily into DC Comics’ Superman lore. And now, also for our new big-screen iteration as well.

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STRANGER THINGS 5 Teases Trailer Release Date (And It’s Tomorrow!)

It feels like Stranger Things has been a phenomenon for as long as we can remember. But now, our favorite party is all grown up, and the time has come for the series’ last chapter. Stranger Things 5 will be the Netflix hit’s final season, but we have no doubt that these concluding episodes will have a ton of meat on their bones.Netflix

We’ve been waiting a long time for more Stranger Things, but it seems like that time has finally come for us to receive a fuller look at the final season. Stranger Things‘ official Instagram account has confirmed a teaser trailer is coming for its final season, and it will arrive on July 16. That’s exciting stuff for everyone.

Nerdist

For now, let’s roll for initiative and head back to Hawkins one more time. Here’s everything we know about Stranger Things 5.

NetflixStranger Things 5‘s Plot

Stranger Things 4 ended with a bang as the Upside Down erupted right into the middle of Hawkins. Although everyone came together to try to stop Vecna, the villainous monster, who is actually One, who is actually Henry Creel, succeeded in merging his evil world with the reality every day people inhabit. The party managed to injure Vecna and seemingly save Max from his clutches. However, the fallout remained apocalyptic. In the final moments of the season, the Upside Down’s ash arrives to cover everything, and a full-out war with the monstrous creatures of the dark world seems imminent.

Netflix

Stranger Things 5‘s official synopsis shares:

The fall of 1987. Hawkins is scarred by the opening of the Rifts, and our heroes are united by a single goal: find and kill Vecna. But he has vanished — his whereabouts and plans unknown. Complicating their mission, the government has placed the town under military quarantine and intensified its hunt for Eleven, forcing her back into hiding. As the anniversary of Will’s disappearance approaches, so does a heavy, familiar dread. The final battle is looming — and with it, a darkness more powerful and more deadly than anything they’ve faced before. To end this nightmare, they’ll need everyone — the full party — standing together, one last time.

Netflix

While we don’t know much more than that about Stranger Things 5 yet, we assume it will have just a little to do with how Stranger Things 4 ended. The Duffer brothers haven’t provided many plot specifics but have offered several teases about Stranger Things 5. Among other bits, they shared that the action will remain centered in Hawkins and that likely we’ll see an eight-episode season. Additionally, the Duffers have noted that Will Byers will take a central role in the final season.

Click To View Gallery Netflix Netflix Netflix Netflix

Finally, the series’ creators describe Stranger Things 5 as follows, “Five, the way we see it, is kind of a culmination of all the seasons, so it’s sort of got a little bit from each… Whereas before, each season was so [distinct]… [Season] 3 is our big summer blockbuster season with big monsters, and [Season] 4 was the psychological horror. Five, the way we see it, is kind of a culmination of all the seasons, so it’s sort of got a little bit from each. I think that what we’re trying to do is go back to the beginning a little bit, in sort of the tone of 1.” Or, “Season 5 is like if season 1 and 4 had a baby. And then that baby was injected with steroids.” Make of that what you will.

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Every STRANGER THINGS 5 Tease Released So Far

You can take an official look at the season with a new behind-the-scenes featurette celebrating Stranger Things 5.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the Duffer brothers, Matt and Ross Duffer, will once again take the helm of Stranger Things 5. Additionally, long-time Stranger Things director Shawn Levy will return to direct at least one episode of the season. Superstitiously, the Deadpool 3 director likes to take on episodes three and four if he can.

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What Happens When You Call the Number on STRANGER THINGS 5’s Eleven Missing Poster?

Ross Duffer is giving us a few peeks behind the scenes of Stranger Things 5. This includes a very rad photo of Steve in front of a radio station, a shred bin with a photo of our dearly departed Eddie shredding on his guitar, and some other fun bits. It makes us super excited for what’s to come.

Stranger Things 5‘s CastRoss Duffer

All our favorite characters and actors will be back for Stranger Things 5. We know for sure that Joyce Byers, Jim Hopper, Mike Wheeler, Nancy Wheeler, Jonathan Byers, Eleven, Lucas Sinclair, Dustin Henderson, Will Byers, Karen Wheeler, Stever Harrington, Robin Buckley, and Murray Bauman will be back. (And with them, their respective actors.) Sadie Sink’s Max survived season four and should return with the rest. We, of course, are still holding the torch for the surprise resurrection of Joseph Quinn’s Eddie Munson. Stranger Things takes place in a supernatural world, after all. And it just wouldn’t be a good season without one Erica Sinclair.

Netflix

When it comes to new faces, we know that Linda Hamilton has joined the cast of Stranger Things 5. But her role remains a secret for now. Additionally, Nell Fisher, Jake Connelly, and Alex Breaux have joined the cast.

Netflix

Finally, CBR reports that the series will recast his daughter Sara, whom we’ve only seen through flashbacks. She’s Hopper’s daughter, who died in 1978 at age 7 prior to the events of season one. We recently saw Sara in Stranger Things season four flashbacks as Hopper revealed his Agent Orange exposure caused her to develop childhood cancer.

This casting call, first seen on Knight Edge Media, asks for “[ SARA ] – Character is portrayed as 5 years old, female, white, blonde and blue/grey eyes. Sara is Hopper’s daughter seen in flashbacks. MUST MATCH TO SEASON 1 CAST MEMBER ELLE GRAHAM…CO-STAR.”

Stranger Things 5‘s Release DateNetflix

Stranger Things 5 has officially set a three-part 2025 release schedule. The release dates for Stranger Things 5‘s three volumes are as follows:

Stranger Things 5, Volume 1 releases on November 26This includes episodes one through four.Stranger Things 5, Volume 2 releases on Christmas (December 25)This includes episodes five through seven.Stranger Things 5, Volume 3 releases on New Year’s Eve (December 31)This is the finale episode, or episode eight.

Each part of Stranger Things 5 releases at 5 PM PT/8 PM ET.

Originally published on January 4, 2024.

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CRITICAL ROLE Sets Global Tour for 2026, ‘ECHOES OF EXANDRIA’ Heads to Europe

Get ready, Critters. Critical Role is going global once again in 2026. Yes, our favorite adventuring party will be making stops all over the world as they bring to life the Echoes of Exandria tour. This exciting quest will feature brand-new Exandrian one-shots at every stop and bring Critical Role to fans in Atlanta, Berlin, Edinburgh, London, and Fort Worth in 2026. The upcoming Critical Role world tour will also feature unique staging, surprise guests, merch drops, and more. Plus, a very special Game Master who will surely have Critical Role fans EVERYWHERE on their feet in delight. So, strap on your wandering boots, get your potions all aligned, and get ready to explore Exandria. Here’s what we know about Critical Role‘s 2026 global tour. Critical Role

Critical Role Heads Out on a Global Tour in 2026, Echoes of Exandria

2025 marks Critical Role‘s 10th anniversary. How incredible is that? To see where it all started, you can check out the very first episode of Critical Role below. But to see where it’s going, look to the farthest point on the horizon you can see and the farther. Because in 2026, Critical Role is heading on tour and inviting Critters everywhere to help explore Exandria together, in person. And could there be anything more beautiful than that?

“It is truly a gift and a privilege to have the opportunity to travel all over the world to bring Critical Role to our far-reaching community of nerds,” shares Marisha Ray, Co-founder and Creative Director at Critical Role. “In many ways, this adventure is just the beginning!”

More About The Echoes of Exandria Tour

Critical Role‘s 2026 tour is produced in partnership with AEG. A release shares that, “each live show is a unique story, woven into the world of Exandria and brought to life by founding cast members Matthew Mercer (serving as GM for the first four shows), Ashley Johnson, Marisha Ray, Taliesin Jaffe, Travis Willingham, Sam Riegel, Laura Bailey, and Liam O’Brien.”

The Critical Role 2026 tour begins in Atlanta on May 26, then crosses the Atlantic to Berlin on July 6 and Edinburgh on July 12, heads to London on October 26, and ends in Fort Worth on December 3. Excitingly enough, in Fort Worth, Travis Willingham will serve as the evening’s Game Master (GM) for the very first time during The Echoes of Exandria tour. Cue the applause!

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Exploring CRITICAL ROLE: From a Plucky Underdog to a Beloved Multimedia Powerhouse

Critters eager to make sure they roll a Nat 20 during the Critical Role tour can also snag Fan Experience tickets for all shows except Edinburgh. These provide attendees early entry, a 45-minute Q&A preshow, and access to the best seats in the house. Sounds delightful.

Snag Your Tickets to the Critical Role 2026 Tour Early

Those wanting to absolutely guarantee their attendance at the Echoes of Exandria tour should consider becoming Beacon members. Beacon members will receive early access to tickets through the platform’s exclusive pre-sale starting Tuesday, July 22 (visit Beacon.tv for membership information).

More details about all upcoming Critical Role events can be found here.

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Gaze in Awe at These Exclusive Pages From CRITICAL ROLE: THE ARMORY OF HEROESCritical Role‘s Echoes of Exandria 2026 Global Tour: Date, Location, and Ticket InformationAtlanta, Georgia: Echoes of Exandria Stop Information

May 26, 2026 at Gas South Arena

Beacon member presale: July 22Venue/promoter presales: July 24General on-sale: July 25

Berlin, Germany: Echoes of Exandria Stop Information

July 6, 2026 at Uber Arena

Beacon member presale: July 22Venue/promoter presale: July 24General on-sale: July 25

Edinburgh, Scotland: Echoes of Exandria Stop Information

July 12, 2026 at Edinburgh Castle

Beacon member presale: July 22Promoter presale: July 24General on-sale: July 25

London, England: Echoes of Exandria Stop Information

October 26, 2026 at The O2

Beacon member presale: July 22O2 presale: July 23Promoter presale: July 24General on-sale: July 25

Fort Worth, Texas: Echoes of Exandria Stop Information

December 3, 2026 at Dickie’s Arena , Featuring Travis Willingham as GM

Beacon member presale: July 22Local venue presale: July 24General on-sale: July 25

Additional details about tour livestream or VOD availability, accessibility accommodations, and merchandise drops will be shared closer to each show through Critical Role’s official channels. Sign up for the Critical Role newsletter or follow Critical Role on TikTok at @CriticalRole and on Instagram at @Critical_Role.

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Mondo’s SDCC Exclusive SUPERMAN Posters Invite You to Fly High in Style

Superman is taking the world by storm. The movie, which kicks off James Gunn’s DCU, brings to life a new kind of superhero story. One where the “man” is just as important as the “super,” and kindness counts. With a powerful, universal message like that, some exceptional storytelling, and visuals that fly off the page, it’s no wonder people are excited. And soon, Superman’s biggest fans will be able to display their love of the movie proudly on their walls. At Nerdist, we’re excited to exclusively reveal that those heading to SDCC can look forward to snagging event-exclusive Superman posters from Mondo, which are every bit as gorgeous as the movie. These limited-edition SDCC Mondo Superman posters literally capture the soaring feeling of Superman flying through the air (and the soaring feeling of hope he creates). You won’t be able to do anything but “look up” at them in wonder.

Let’s fly into everything we know about Mondo’s SDCC exclusive Superman Mondo poster by Frank Quitely and the Superman Variant poster by Tom Whalen.

Mondo SDCC Exclusive Superman Posters: Frank Quitely Wants Us to Raise Our Hopes and Our GameMondo

They say a picture can be worth a thousand words. Well, in Frank Quietly’s SDCC exclusive Superman Mondo poster, one poster is worth a million. This limited-edition screenprinted poster by the legendary comic book artist has our stomachs literally swooping as it shoots us up, up, and away beyond the clouds. But Quietly’s Superman Mondo poster isn’t just about the literal power of Superman, although it’s on display very clearly; it’s about the heart of him. Superman inspires us, he wants us to hold ourselves not to high standards he sets, but to the highest, purest definition of what it means to be human. And through its gorgeous art, Mondo’s SDCC exclusive Superman poster challenges us to do the same. The beauty of this poster is truly unparalleled, and its message is even lovelier.

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Frank Quitely shares of this Mondo Superman SDCC poster exclusive, “My homage to James Gunn’s SUPERMAN, with the newly designed suit, against a background that’s reminiscent of the first ALL-STAR SUPERMAN cover. In classic flying pose, this is Superman, soaring upwards, as a symbol to raise our hopes, raise our standards, and raise our game.”

We just love it! Those hoping to snag one of the posters can head to the Mondo booth at SDCC. This Superman poster is a 9-color screenprint on French Construction Pure White paper and is 24″ x 36″. Learn more here.

Mondo SDCC Exclusive Superman Posters: Tom Whalen Highlights Superman’s Lasting LegacyMondo

Tom Whalen’s SDCC exclusive Mondo poster, meanwhile, gathers the entire gang of incredible characters that shine in the DCU Superman movie. That includes Lex Luthor, Lois Lane, and, of course, the true star of the DC film, Krypto. If anyone deserves to be on the SDCC Superman Mondo poster, it’s Krypto. We also love the recreation of Lois and Clark’s flying Superman kiss. It’s a truly resonating moment done justice on this poster. And it’s no surprise because Tom Whalen is an iconic illustrator, designer, and Mondo artist—and we absolutely adore his take on Superman.

Whalen shares:

Superman means different things to different generations. My first exposure to the character was watching him explode onto cinema screens in the ’70s/’80s films of my youth. My Superman was larger-than-life, kind, noble, relatable and always heroic (except when exposed to that damn synthetic kryptonite).

I’ve enjoyed many iterations of the Last Son of Krypton’s adventures (most notably ALL-STAR SUPERMAN and SUPERMAN: BIRTHRIGHT on the comic front and SUPERMAN: TAS on the small screen), so when Mondo approached me for my take on the new film, I leapt at the chance. I’m genuinely honored to be able to interpret this generation’s version of Superman in my style and pay homage to Superman’s lasting legacy through the generations.

We, too, really enjoy seeing Superman through Whalen’s style, and are absolutely in love with his use of Superman’s three major colors in such an effective and nuanced way on this SDCC exclusive Mondo poster. It’s a poster for the ages and worthy of a hero who has impacted so many throughout the generations.

REad next

How SUPERMAN Pays Homage to 8 Decades of Man of Steel Media

This Mondo SDCC exclusive Superman variant poster is an 11-color screenprint on Stardream Citrine paper. It measures 24″ x 36″. You can snag it at the Mondo SDCC booth on the show floor. Learn more here.

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SUPERMAN Has a Tiny Cameo From the SMALLVILLE Lex Luthor, Michael Rosenbaum

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We can confidently say that James Gunn’s Superman has one of the all-time great live-action Lex Luthors in Nicholas Hoult. But what most moviegoers probably didn’t know is that there’s actually a second Lex Luthor actor in the film. At least, his voice is. Thanks to Comic Book, we’ve learned that actor Michael Rosenbaum, who played Lex Luthor for seven seasons of Smallville, voiced one of Luthor’s Raptor henchmen in the film. In the scene where Eve Teschmacher is being held captive in Lex’s pocket universe prison, we hear Rosenbaum’s voice say “Sending sexy selfies behind the back of Lex Luthor? She has to be the biggest idiot in the world.”

Warner Bros. Television

Rosenbaum and director James Gunn are longtime friends, and Gunn even asked him to voice the character Martinex in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. So it’s no surprise that he snuck him into Superman in a small voice role. And this voice cameo is just another in a long line of DC Universe roles for Rosenbaum. Not only did he play Lex Luthor in Smallville, but he also voiced the Flash in Justice League Unlimited. In addition, he voiced the younger Kid Flash in Teen Titans, and Deadman in The Brave and the Bold. Now he can finally add a live-action DC feature film to his resume.

In an interview with Screen Rant, Michael Rosenbaum said “James asked me to do something fun, so I have a couple of lines that I voice. He’s one of my best friends, and he’s very loyal. It’s exciting. I think he’s got a great vision, and he’s putting his heart and soul into it and expressing that. Because he knows how important the character is.” The question is now, when is Gunn going to give his buddy a genuine on-screen role? One that’s not just his voice? There are still plenty of DC Comics characters that have never been in a film. Surely Rosenbaum could play a live-action Deadman, or Animal Man, or one of dozens of choices. Someone’s going to have to play Kite-Man eventually.

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Our Guide to Universal Epic Universe & All of Its Lands and Adventures

We at Nerdist have had a blast exploring Universal Epic Universe, the newest theme park to open in the United States (and the first new modern theme park in over 20 years). From thrills to aesthetics, from delicious snacks to joyously nerdy Easter eggs, from the neon-colored and effervescent Super Nintendo World to the goth kid haven Dark Universe, Universal Epic Universe has it all. We’ve had some time now to sit with all the wonders that Universal Epic Universe holds and wrap our heads around the true breadth of its wonder. But if you’re heading to the park for the first time, it might be hard to know where to look or what to explore first. And so, it’s our pleasure to be your theme park buddy and help you make the most of your Universal Epic Universe trip. From reviews of the lands to advice on where to snack to a poetic ode to what might be the best roller coaster ever, here’s our insider’s guide to Universal Epic Universe. Nerdist

Nerdist’s Guide to Universal Epic Universe

Jump to: Super Nintendo World Review // Isle of Berk Guide // Dark Universe Review // Guide to Best Food & Drink at Universal Epic Universe // Best Park Easter Eggs // Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers Is THE BEST Roller Coaster Ever

Universal Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World Review

Read It Here: https://nerdist.com/article/universal-epic-universe-super-nintendo-world-super-mario-land-donkey-kong-country-rides-review/

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From inside Super Mario Land, you can’t see any other parts of Epic Universe. It’s just you and a metric ton of irresistible Super Mario Easter eggs, complete with bright, appealing colors, familiar sound effects, and life-sized moving versions of your favorite game mechanics. We haven’t even mentioned the wonder of Super Nintendo World’s Donkey Kong Land. Super Nintendo World was totally overwhelming, in the best way. We break down everything it has in store for Nintendo fans of every kind.

Universal Epic Universe’s Isle of Berk Guide

Read It Here: https://nerdist.com/article/universal-epic-universes-isle-of-berk-rides-attractions-dragon-animatronics/

Nerdist

Universal Epic Universe’s Isle of Berk perfectly captures the heart and beauty of the How to Train Your Dragon franchise in a sprawling land complete with thrilling rides, theming that never quits, and all the dragon animatronics you can imagine. (And even more than that!)

Universal Epic Universe’s Dark Universe Review

Read It Here: https://nerdist.com/article/universal-epic-universe-dark-universe-immersive-haven-for-fabulously-weird/

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Universal Orlando has learned all the right lessons from the success of Halloween Horror Nights. And now, a haven for horror-lovers, gothic-romance stans, and those who simply love to be strange exists year-round. Yes, I’m talking about Universal Epic Universe’s Dark Universe, the theme park land that self-proclaims that it’s for “delightful freaks.” (At least if you ask Ygor!)

Jump to: Super Nintendo World Review // Isle of Berk Guide // Dark Universe Review // Guide to Best Food & Drink at Universal Epic Universe // Best Park Easter Eggs // Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers Is THE BEST Roller Coaster Ever

The 7 Best Food & Drink Items at Universal Epic Universe

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Every time a new theme park event rolls around, the one question on everyone’s mind is what kind of new magical food and drink offerings will manifest. And, of the manifold offerings, which of these new food and drink items will be the very best of the best? So, of course, when a whole new THEME park opens, the United States’ first modern theme park in over 20 years, the anticipation over the best new food and drink items reaches a fever pitch. Happily, Universal Orlando invited Nerdist to run around its incredible new park, Universal Epic Universe, AND sample some of its finest fare. From wacky concoctions, to themed fantasies, to just purely darn good bites, we’ve narrowed down everything we sampled to the 7 best food and drink offerings you can eat (and sip) at Universal Epic Universe.

Our Guide to the Best Easter Eggs at Universal Epic Universe

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Universal Epic Universe manages to weave gorgeous tales together, performing amazing feats of technological creation and artistic wonder, and it is just SO DANG COOL. And nowhere does the dual definition of epic shine in Universal’s Epic Universe more than its nuanced attention to detail. There’s no way we could break down every elaborate and narrative-driven Easter egg hidden in Epic Universe, but we absolutely can present you with the five best hidden winks of all.

Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers Is THE BEST Roller Coaster EverCoaster Crusader

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Stardust Racers is definitely the biggest thrill you can find in Universal Epic Universe, but it also might just be one of the greatest rides to ever exist. And that’s because even though the idea of a roller coaster, which brings to mind metal tracks, daring feats of machinery, and blood-curdling screams, seems in direct odds with the idea of a park, which evokes gentle breezes, languid afternoons, and naps in the sun, Stardust Racers somehow manages to elicit both at once. It’s this feat, this combination of exhilaration and elegance, that makes Universal Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers the best roller coaster ever.

Hopefully, our guide to Universal Orlando’s Universal Epic Universe helps set you on the right course for maximum epic adventures. Now go forth and adventure! Tickets to Universal Epic Universe are available now.

Jump to: Super Nintendo World Review // Isle of Berk Guide // Dark Universe Review // Guide to Best Food & Drink at Universal Epic Universe // Best Park Easter Eggs // Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers Is THE BEST Roller Coaster Ever

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STRANGER THINGS 5 Teases Trailer Release Date (And It’s This Week!)

It feels like Stranger Things has been a phenomenon for as long as we can remember. But now, our favorite party is all grown up, and the time has come for the series’ last chapter. Stranger Things 5 will be the Netflix hit’s final season, but we have no doubt that these concluding episodes will have a ton of meat on their bones.Nerdist

We’ve been waiting a long time for more Stranger Things, but it seems like that time has finally come for us to receive a fuller look at the final season. Stranger Things‘ official Instagram account is teasing a release date for its first (real) final season trailer. The trailer for Stranger Things 5 will release on July 17. (This Wednesday). So make sure your signal is clear and get ready.

In full, the tease from Netflix about Stranger Things‘ final season trailer notes, “Signal detected: locking at 7-1-6.” Fingers crossed.

Netflix

For now, let’s roll for initiative and head back to Hawkins one more time. Here’s everything we know about Stranger Things 5.

Stranger Things 5‘s PlotNetflix

Stranger Things 4 ended with a bang as the Upside Down erupted right into the middle of Hawkins. Although everyone came together to try to stop Vecna, the villainous monster, who is actually One, who is actually Henry Creel, succeeded in merging his evil world with the reality every day people inhabit. The party managed to injure Vecna and seemingly save Max from his clutches. However, the fallout remained apocalyptic. In the final moments of the season, the Upside Down’s ash arrives to cover everything, and a full-out war with the monstrous creatures of the dark world seems imminent.

Netflix

Stranger Things 5‘s official synopsis shares:

The fall of 1987. Hawkins is scarred by the opening of the Rifts, and our heroes are united by a single goal: find and kill Vecna. But he has vanished — his whereabouts and plans unknown. Complicating their mission, the government has placed the town under military quarantine and intensified its hunt for Eleven, forcing her back into hiding. As the anniversary of Will’s disappearance approaches, so does a heavy, familiar dread. The final battle is looming — and with it, a darkness more powerful and more deadly than anything they’ve faced before. To end this nightmare, they’ll need everyone — the full party — standing together, one last time.

While we don’t know much more than that about Stranger Things 5 yet, we assume it will have just a little to do with how Stranger Things 4 ended. The Duffer brothers haven’t provided many plot specifics but have offered several teases about Stranger Things 5. Among other bits, they shared that the action will remain centered in Hawkins and that likely we’ll see an eight-episode season. Additionally, the Duffers have noted that Will Byers will take a central role in the final season.

Click To View Gallery Netflix Netflix Netflix Netflix

Finally, the series’ creators describe Stranger Things 5 as follows, “Five, the way we see it, is kind of a culmination of all the seasons, so it’s sort of got a little bit from each… Whereas before, each season was so [distinct]… [Season] 3 is our big summer blockbuster season with big monsters, and [Season] 4 was the psychological horror. Five, the way we see it, is kind of a culmination of all the seasons, so it’s sort of got a little bit from each. I think that what we’re trying to do is go back to the beginning a little bit, in sort of the tone of 1.” Or, “Season 5 is like if season 1 and 4 had a baby. And then that baby was injected with steroids.” Make of that what you will.

RELATED ARTICLE

Every STRANGER THINGS 5 Tease Released So Far

You can take an official look at the season with a new behind-the-scenes featurette celebrating Stranger Things 5.

Behind the Scenes

Of course, the Duffer brothers, Matt and Ross Duffer, will once again take the helm of Stranger Things 5. Additionally, long-time Stranger Things director Shawn Levy will return to direct at least one episode of the season. Superstitiously, the Deadpool 3 director likes to take on episodes three and four if he can.

RELATED ARTICLE

What Happens When You Call the Number on STRANGER THINGS 5’s Eleven Missing Poster?

Ross Duffer is giving us a few peeks behind the scenes of Stranger Things 5. This includes a very rad photo of Steve in front of a radio station, a shred bin with a photo of our dearly departed Eddie shredding on his guitar, and some other fun bits. It makes us super excited for what’s to come.

Stranger Things 5‘s CastRoss Duffer

All our favorite characters and actors will be back for Stranger Things 5. We know for sure that Joyce Byers, Jim Hopper, Mike Wheeler, Nancy Wheeler, Jonathan Byers, Eleven, Lucas Sinclair, Dustin Henderson, Will Byers, Karen Wheeler, Stever Harrington, Robin Buckley, and Murray Bauman will be back. (And with them, their respective actors.) Sadie Sink’s Max survived season four and should return with the rest. We, of course, are still holding the torch for the surprise resurrection of Joseph Quinn’s Eddie Munson. Stranger Things takes place in a supernatural world, after all. And it just wouldn’t be a good season without one Erica Sinclair.

Netflix

When it comes to new faces, we know that Linda Hamilton has joined the cast of Stranger Things 5. But her role remains a secret for now. Additionally, Nell Fisher, Jake Connelly, and Alex Breaux have joined the cast.

Netflix

Finally, CBR reports that the series will recast his daughter Sara, whom we’ve only seen through flashbacks. She’s Hopper’s daughter, who died in 1978 at age 7 prior to the events of season one. We recently saw Sara in Stranger Things season four flashbacks as Hopper revealed his Agent Orange exposure caused her to develop childhood cancer.

This casting call, first seen on Knight Edge Media, asks for “[ SARA ] – Character is portrayed as 5 years old, female, white, blonde and blue/grey eyes. Sara is Hopper’s daughter seen in flashbacks. MUST MATCH TO SEASON 1 CAST MEMBER ELLE GRAHAM…CO-STAR.”

Stranger Things 5‘s Release DateNetflix

Stranger Things 5 has officially set a three-part 2025 release schedule. The release dates for Stranger Things 5‘s three volumes are as follows:

Stranger Things 5, Volume 1 releases on November 26This includes episodes one through four.Stranger Things 5, Volume 2 releases on Christmas (December 25)This includes episodes five through seven.Stranger Things 5, Volume 3 releases on New Year’s Eve (December 31)This is the finale episode, or episode eight.

Each part of Stranger Things 5 releases at 5 PM PT/8 PM ET.

Originally published on January 4, 2024.

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THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS Clip: Someone Wants Pedro Pascal’s Child (Again)

Cersei wanted the Sand Snakes dead. Moff Gideon wanted Grogu’s DNA. The Fireflies wanted Ellie’s immunity. Now, yet again, someone is coming for Pedro Pascal’s (fictional) child. A new clip from The Fantastic Four: First Steps shows Marvel’s first family telling their world why they could not reach a deal with Galactus. The giant cosmic entity wants Reed and Sue’s son, Franklin Richards.

The Fantastic Four’s world is not safe in this new clip from Marvel Studios. In it, the group holds a press conference to announce it has not defeated Galactus. They went to space to negotiate with the enormous enemy, but “he asked too high a price.” That price was Mister Fantastic and the Invisible Woman’s newborn son.

It was a price they were unwilling to pay. It’s not known if they understand why he made that request, but we have an idea why Galactus wants their powerful kid. He is potentially going to be very important to the future of the MCU. But people of the world the Fantastic Four protects have a different question they want answered in this scene. They want to know, “Are we safe?” Not even pop culture’s famous dad is sure about that.

Marvel Studios

This clip clarifies why Franklin Richards has been such an important presence in the promotional material for the movie. Multiple trailers have made clear that, despite being a baby, he’s going to play a significant role in the film. A previously released clip also showed Johnny and Ben learning Sue was pregnant, which now feels even more important than it seemed.

People are always coming after Pedro Pascal’s kids in film and television. Again and again! But the good news for Franklin Richards is that his onscreen dad has plenty of experience keeping his fictional kids safe. Just….just don’t ask about what happened to the Sand Snakes.

No child should have to learn about how Game of Thrones ended.

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James Gunn Reveals SUPERMAN Cameo for Major GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Actor

James Gunn is one of those directors who loves working with the same actors time and time again. So it wasn’t a surprise to learn that some of his former Guardians of the Galaxy stars like Pom Klementieff Nathan Fillion, and Michael Rooker have roles in Superman. But now Gunn has confirmed, in an interview with Jake’s Takes (via Comic Book), that one of the principal actors in the Guardians series will have a small role in Superman. Gunn confirmed what was rumored for months, that Bradley Cooper will play Jor-El, Superman’s Kryptonian father, in the Superman film. Here’s what Gunn had to say about the Rocket Raccoon voice actor and Oscar nominee landing a Superman role:

Really, Bradley’s just doing me a favor. He’s a friend. We’ve stayed in close contact since the Guardians movies, and I admire him greatly as an actor and as a director. I just said, ‘Hey, will you do me a favor? Come down, go to England, we’re going to shoot you in a 3D environment, make a hologram of you, and you can play Jor-El. He was like, ‘Okay.’

Warner Bros.

Gunn additionally shared more about the Bradley Cooper Superman cameo as Jor-El with Entertainment Tonight. He offered, “Well, Bradley’s a friend of mine, and I needed somebody who could play Jor-El — and I don’t think this is a spoiler, everybody knows about this — who had the stature of what we imagine that character being, somebody who could walk in the footsteps of Marlon Brando.” Gunn further noted, “A lot of times, Jor-El is played by a 70-year-old man, and that means he was 70 when he had a baby, so I wanted somebody that wasn’t too old. Everyone was bringing up all these actors that were too old for me. I think Bradley was perfect, he did it for me as a favor because he’s my friend, and I really appreciated him doing it.”

Gunn shared news of Bradley Cooper’s Superman cameo with the press well before the movie released in theaters. And, indeed, Cooper’s role wasn’t a huge reveal in the film. If you’re wondering how Jor-El appeared in a Superman movie that’s not an origin story, there’s a very simple answer to that. Gunn mentioned holograms in his interviews, and indeed, in Superman, we received the AI version of Jor-El that exists in the Fortress of Solitude. The idea of an AI Jor-El has been around since Superman: The Movie in 1978, and the comics later adopted it.

In the DCU’s Superman, Cooper’s version of Jor-El appears in a corrupted vision of a message left to his son, detailing the Kryptonian’s hopes for what Clark/Kal-El could achieve on Earth. Of course, at first, this message from Jor-El seemed sweet and kind, emphasizing that Clark should use his super powers to help humanity in any way he can. But it ultimately transpires that Jor-El actually hoped Superman would lord over the world he was sent to live in. Whether the message we end up with in Superman is an accurate representation of Bradley Cooper’s Jor-El or not remains to be seen.

Regardless, this role puts Bradley Cooper in pretty great company, as James Gunn notes. Previous cinematic Jor-Els have included Marlon Brando and Russell Crowe. Both actors won Oscars, so maybe this bodes well for Cooper finally getting his statue. It seems playing Superman’s dad equals Oscar gold.

Originally published on July 2, 2025.

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