Chris Hardwick's Blog, page 53

July 11, 2025

The Real-World Impact of Mr. Terrific in SUPERMAN

We’re finally getting to see one of the coolest, smartest, and most brilliant minds in DC Comics hit the big screen: Michael Holt, aka Mr. Terrific. Not only is he an intellectual powerhouse, but he also represents a crucial facet of Black STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) excellence. In James Gunn’s new Superman movie, Edi Gathegi’s portrayal showcases his intellect, power, and ingenuity. He’s also a major player in helping Superman save the world. This kind of visibility matters far beyond films, entertainment, and comic books.

We haven’t seen many heroes, super or otherwise, or even villains, who are primarily STEM-based characters. Why is this important? Because it can shift aspirations, challenge stereotypes, and even influence industry practices.

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SUPERMAN Is Really, Really Good (Thank God)The Inspiration Gap: Black Professionals in STEM

On the STEM side, the story is similarly stark. According to Pew Research, Black students earned no more than 9% of STEM degrees awarded in 2018 across the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, with particularly low representation in engineering and the physical sciences. Black women, in particular, comprise only about 2–2.5% of the U.S. STEM workforce. Black STEM professionals report higher rates of workplace discrimination: roughly 62% say they’ve experienced race-related slights at work, compared to lower percentages for other groups. This combination of underrepresentation and unease can severely discourage young Black talent from even considering STEM careers.

This is where Mr. Terrific on the big screen comes in: a visible example of a person of color who embodies scientific brilliance, resilience, and moral conviction. Studies show that seeing “someone like you” in a field correlates with greater interest and persistence. 

Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific from the Superman trailerDC Studios

For instance, Black students with Black STEM teachers report more positive experiences and encouragement to stay in STEM tracks. Translating that to cinema: young viewers who identify with Michael Holt may internalize, “If he belongs here, maybe I do, too.”

It’s a psychological nudge that can plant seeds for future scientists, engineers, and innovators, potentially inspiring them to seek out real-life examples like Lonnie G. Johnson (NASA engineer and inventor of the Super Soaker), Mae C. Jemison (the first African American woman to travel into space), or Alan Emtage (credited with inventing Archie, the world’s first internet search engine).

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10 Black Innovators Who Changed the Gaming IndustryPast and Present: Black STEM Heroes in Genre Storytelling

While Mr. Terrific’s arrival is a huge win, it’s worth acknowledging that the road to meaningful Black STEM representation in genre storytelling has been uneven at best. For every step forward, there have been glaring misses or outright missteps.

Take Blankman (1994), for instance, starring Damon Wayans as a nerdy, socially awkward crime-fighting inventor. He rigs up gadgets and has a whole home base made from junkyard scraps. He was like a broke, muscle-free mashup of Iron Man and Batman. And this was decades before Black Panther and one of the first portrayals of a Black STEM superhero on the big screen.

Then there’s Steel (1997), starring Shaquille O’Neal as John Henry Irons, a brilliant weapons engineer who builds his own armored suit after tragedy strikes. We also cannot forget Dr. Karen Jensen, played by N’Bushe Wright in Blade (1998), a hematologist who unfortunately becomes Blade’s indispensable ally. In that film she uses her medical expertise to hunt for a cure for vampirism.

Lucius Fox, played by Morgan Freeman in Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, also deserves a nod. He’s the CEO of Wayne Enterprises whose sharp engineering mind outfits Batman with his most advanced tech. In more recent years, we’ve seen Shuri, played by Letitia Wright in Black Panther (2018) and Wakanda Forever (2022), the chief architect of Wakanda’s technology. Her brilliance is woven into every part of those stories.

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Almost all the scientists in Wakanda are STEM experts, and the country itself is founded on STEM principles. Right alongside her is Ironheart (Riri Williams), played by Dominique Thorne, the teenage prodigy who crafts her own Iron Man-level suit while still at MIT. Even T’Challa, played by Chadwick Boseman, himself is more than a warrior-king; he’s a physicist whose mind helps propel Wakanda’s scientific edge.

There’s also Cyborg (Victor Stone), played by Ray Fisher, whose arc in Justice League (2017) and Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021) pivots on his advanced cybernetics and hacking genius. Dr. Bill Foster (played by Laurence Fishburne in Ant-Man and the Wasp) is a pioneering biochemist once deep in Pym Particle research. Even our few STEM-aligned villains, Jamie Foxx’s Electro in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and No Way Home, or Black Manta, played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in the Aquaman films, are too rare. However, as antagonists, they still deserve mention.

How Superman Gets Mr. Terrific Right

What I love about Superman is how it leans all the way into the “show, don’t just tell” mantra when it comes to Michael Holt’s genius. The film steers clear of the usual pitfalls that often snag Black intellectual characters in genre stories. Gunn doesn’t reduce Mr. Terrific to a “walking supercomputer” or a glorified IT guy for superheroes. Instead, we get to watch his T-Spheres operate as living extensions of his mind. Holt proves his brilliance through hands-on problem-solving and innovation. 


Somebody get Mr. Terrific a movie greenlit ASAP. pic.twitter.com/rlFCMJpiPY

— Gray Harden🦇💪 (@GrayHarden77) July 9, 2025

His character isn’t one-sided or just spitting out tech jargon; he’s cracking dry jokes, revealing different sides of his personality, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Superman and Lois to take down Lex and his crew. The film grants him true agency, letting his own ethical dilemmas and decisions drive key moments. That’s precisely what gives seeing Mr. Terrific on screen such real-world impact.

A Terrific Moment for STEM and On-Screen Representation

Mr. Terrific in Superman is a bona fide co-star, right alongside the other meta-humans. His time on screen isn’t some blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo; he has a full-on impact on the outcome of the film. I’m sure fans of the character, and of Gathegi (who also played Darwin in X-Men: First Class) before being killed off way too quickly, despite Darwin’s power literally being able to evolve and survive anything, will appreciate finally seeing him get his due.

Seeing a Black STEM superhero take center stage isn’t just important for fans or indie projects; it matters on the biggest screen possible. With this portrayal, Mr. Terrific’s presence carries far beyond the new DC movie universe; it sparks thought, inspires ideas, and expands possibilities, contributing to the hope and potential of future generations.

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Published on July 11, 2025 08:00

THE TRAVELER & THE TROLL Perfectly Captures ’80s Fantasy Nostalgia in Hilarious Short; Here’s Where You Can Watch

There’s no genre quite like the ’80s fantasy movie genre. Movies like Labyrinth, The NeverEnding Story, The Dark Crystal, Willow immediately bubble to mind, ensconced in a deep nostalgia and affection. If you just stop and imagine these titles, you’ll have to admit they just feel different. There’s a naunce to them, something magical that exists in between the gorgeous layers of painstaking creation that manifest such glorious worlds. They hold a specific kind of dark humor that pulls you deep into their tale and keeps you laughing, even when the stakes are high. And they bring to life such epic adventures that you feel ready to go on a quest of your own as soon as you watch them. It’s rare to find a movie like that these days, but a new short that’s causing a stir at festivals has somehow done it. The Traveler & The Troll perfectly captures all the best elements of the ’80s fantasy movie and brings them to life, drenched in modernity.the traveler and the troll short puppet (1)Adam Murray

The conceit for The Traveler & The Troll immediately pulls you in. It shares:


A Traveler stops to rest in a clearing of a long haunted forest. They soon learn they are not alone and have stumbled upon the lair of a terrifying troll who demands gifts for passage.


With no coin or treasure to give, the Traveler must answer three of the Troll’s riddles to survive the night and leave the forest with their soul intact. Much to the Troll’s surprise, the Traveler is more of an adversary than the Troll ever could have expected.


It’s an excellent sounding tale, but whatever you’re envisioning, the actual short is even better than that. In nine glorious minutes, it works its practical magic on you. The Traveler & The Troll immediately casts its spell deftly, taking viewers into a fully formed realm that feels both at once real and fabulously magical, and introducing you to its mythical troll and epic traveler. But, of course, both are more than meets the eye. And this short manages to be both enthralling, humorous, and emotional all in one go. We love its quick wit and banter, and star Erika Ishii very much delivers the true gravitas we want to see in our fantasy heroes in such a short piece.

the traveler and the troll short puppet Erika IshiiAdam Murray

And, then, of course, there’s the puppet. THE PUPPET. The Troll puppet is truly an awe-inspiring creation. And he’s such an incredible addition, rivaling the work we see in any big-budget movie out there. We love him. And we’re going to need him to appear everywhere. Kudos to Dave Child for giving this creature an incredible and multi-faceted presence.

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Most importantly, The Traveler & The Troll is steeped in life and heart. So often, movies today lack all character; they are too glossy, too polished, too mass-produced, and technology reliant. But technology can’t do what human hands can do. It cannot inject the passion and the love that a person can. And this was incredibly important to director and writer Adam Murray. He shares:


I’ve always been drawn to practical effects in film. Creatures, squibs, matte paintings, miniatures, in-camera illusions. Images and sequences that feel tangible and real. And with the rampant increase of generative AI, and how hollow and lifeless it is, I really wanted to make a film that involved real artists applying their craft to create a small but fully practical world that has verisimilitude and pays homage to the ways films were made more by hand and less by an algorithm being fed other people’s art.


I’ve loved fantasy stories forever, and one the great things about playing in fantasy is there’s no set rules on how your world needs to look, and getting to design the trees, and props, and sets, and the troll himself with other artists and craftspeople was incredibly fulfilling, and I hope the audience feels the same feeling of joy and inspiration that we did making this.


I also love puppets. Who doesn’t love puppets?


That feeling of reality, life, and the joy of coming together with other artists in service of pure creation is truly felt in The Traveler & The Troll. And it’s paid off. The short premiered at the Overlook Film Fest in New Orleans in April and won the Audience Award in the short film category. It also won Best Film at Warped Witch Festival. The Traveler & The Troll additionally screened at Chattanooga Film Festival and at Palm Springs International ShortFest, one of the largest short film festivals in North America. That feels like quite a run.

Where Can You Watch The Traveler & The Troll?the traveler and the troll posterTommie Seiniger

Of course, we bet all this leaves you asking: Where can I watch The Traveler & The Troll? Well, right now, The Traveler & The Troll is screening largely at festivals.

Up next, The Traveler & The Troll will screen at Fantasia Festival, one of the biggest genre film festivals in North America. You can catch the short on July 21.

Additionally, The Traveler & The Troll will be playing at the Baton Rouge Underground Film Festival on August 23rd as part of the Genre Shorts Block.

If you can catch this gorgeous piece, we highly recommend that you do.

Editorial Note: Adam Murray is employed by Legendary Digital Networks, of which Nerdist is a subsidiary.

The post THE TRAVELER & THE TROLL Perfectly Captures ’80s Fantasy Nostalgia in Hilarious Short; Here’s Where You Can Watch appeared first on Nerdist.

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Published on July 11, 2025 07:56

SCRUBS Reboot Series Is Go, Zach Braff, Donald Faison, and Sarah Chalke Return

JD, Turk, and Elliot are officially back on call. The Scrubs reboot is a go. And, since he couldn’t do it all on his own, Donald Faison and Sarah Chalke have signed on to once again star alongside Zach Braff. Zach Braff and the cast of Scubs.Doozer Productions

ABC has ordered the new era of Scrubs to series for the 2025-2026 TV season. (News we first heard at Deadline.) Braff, Donald Faison, and Chalke will reprise their original roles as Doctors John Dorian, Christopher Turk, and Elliot Reid. All three will also serve as executive producers of the Scrubs reboot series. Original series creator Bill Lawrence will also join as an executive producer. Tim Hobert and Aseem Batra will take over showrunner duties this time. The two know the wacky, imaginative world of Scrubs well. Each worked on the original show, which ran for seven seasons at NBC starting in 2001. It then finished up in 2010 after two seasons at ABC.

As for what fans can expect from the Scrubs reboot, it sounds like more of the same but with fresh perspectives in a very different world. The show will see JD and Turk working together at Sacred Heart for the first time in years. But while medicine and interns have changed, one thing will always remain the same: they’re still in a full-fledged bromance. The show will also stay true to its DNA in another important way. It will feature new interns. But Braff, Faison, and Chalke aren’t the only familiar faces we should expect to see. The new/old Scrubs will also include some characters from the original series.

We also do not yet have a specific release date for the Scrubs reboot.

Donald Faison and Zach Braff make eyes at each other in Scrubs.Doozer Productions

In a statement, Lawrence said, “Scrubs means so very much to me. So excited for the chance to get the band back together.”

Of course, this Scrubs reboot wouldn’t work if he didn’t get the band back together. Scrubs always made clear that no one can do it all on their own.

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Published on July 11, 2025 06:08

SUPERMAN Mid- and Post-Credits Scenes Explained

You know them, you love them, you don’t leave a theater early because of them. They are post-credits scenes! It wouldn’t be a franchise movie without a little tease or epilogue or what have you. So, as you might expect, the brand new Superman movie does indeed have a mid-credits scene and one after the end credits right before the lights come up. However, in keeping with director James Gunn’s philosophy, they aren’t teases for future films in the DCU. Rather, they’re just fun!.cls-2{fill:#9d342c}

Does Superman Have a Mid-Credits Scene?

Yes! Well, sort of. After the cast montage, we get a very brief moment of Krypto sitting on Superman’s lap on the moon looking at the Earth. Superman’s back is to us and Krypto is facing us, over Superman’s shoulder. And that’s it! It’s just a riff on one of the early teaser images from the movie. It’s less of a scene and more of a tag.

Krypto the superdog joins DCU supermanWarner Bros.Does Superman Have a Post-Credits Scene?

It does! And this one is actually a scene. The Superman post-credits scene opens with Superman and Mister Terrific looking at the side of a building in Metropolis. The latter had just rejoined the city following Lex Luthor’s pocket dimension fissure. Honestly, he did a pretty great job all things considered. That doesn’t stop ol’ Supes from pointing out that this one particular building isn’t quite perfectly back together. It has a noticeable seam that’s not fully even.

Mister Terrific, justifiably, gets angry at this nitpick and walks away, kicking dirt in frustration. Superman tries to apologize, but it’s too late. He then says to himself that he can be such a jerk sometimes. And that’s the end of the Superman post-credits scene. Short, sweet, and a lot of fun. The Superman post-credits scene also harkens back to the Silver Age of comics, where Superman would be shown to be a jerk on the covers, but, in the story never followed through. It’s just the kind of Easter egg we’d expect from James Gunn.

The post-scene perfectly exemplifies why Superman and the Justice Gang don’t quite get along, even if Superman and Terrific are pretty great allies, all things considered. If only Supes can just learn to be less honest.

Superman is in theaters now.

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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Published on July 11, 2025 06:00

How Does Supergirl Appear in SUPERMAN?

We’ve known for a while that Supergirl (formerly Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow) would follow Superman to the big screen. The scheduled release date for that is June 26, 2026. We also knew that Supergirl herself, as played by Milly Alcock, would have a brief role in Superman. Did this happen? How did this happen? What were the circumstances, etc? Well, we’ve seen it and can tell you all about it! Spoilers below for Supergirl’s presence in Superman..cls-2{fill:#9d342c}

Does Supergirl Appear in Superman?

Yes, the DCU’s Supergirl, Milly Alcock, does appear in Superman. Supergirl doesn’t have a huge role in Superman, but what’s there is very fun. At the end of the whole movie, with Lex Luthor defeated and Superman’s robots putting the Fortress of Solitude back together, we hear something crash in another room. “Your cousin has returned,” says Robot 4, aka Gary (Alan Tudyk). From the back of the Fortress, we see Supergirl Kara stumbling, hungover, into the corridor and onto our Superman screens. She says, “Where’s my dog?” at which point, Krypto flies over and tackles her, and she cackles with delight.

Superman and Supergirl with their pet dog Krypto.DC Comics

It’s at this glorious moment that we realize a few things. First, we know why Superman only ever referred to Krypto as “the dog” and not “my dog.” Similarly, he tells Lois that his looking after Krypto is “a foster situation.” Krypto isn’t his dog, it’s Supergirl’s dog. Second, it establishes very quickly that Krypto is so poorly behaved because Kara doesn’t bother to train him. She likes what a messy, ill-mannered ruffian he is.

What’s Supergirl Up to in Superman and How Does it Set Up Her Movie?

Superman says his cousin likes to go to planets with red suns, that it’s the only way she can get drunk. This directly plays into Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, the comic upon which her movie will be based. She and Krypto begin that adventure on another planet so Kara can get drunk for her 21st birthday. Naturally, it seems like she’s older than that in Superman and has done this a fair amount.

Milly Alcock on set of Supergirl: Woman of TomorrowJames Gunn

Gary tells Superman that, were he capable of feelings, he’d worry for Kara’s binge drinking. She then stumbles off to her room and calls Clark a “b*tch.” This seems like the perfect starting point for Supergirl next year, her having to learn some responsibility and forge her own path even with Superman around. Cannot wait.

Superman is in theaters July 11.

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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Published on July 11, 2025 05:00

Who Is FOUNDATION’s the Mule? The Powerful and Mysterious Baddie, Explained

.cls-2{fill:#9d342c}

Season three of Foundation is here, and with it comes the long-awaited arrival of the Mule. The super-baddy has been a distant threat, slowly approaching in the background, much like Thanos over the second half of the Infinity Saga. When he arrives on the scene, the Mule has a similar cataclysmic impact on the story as the Mad Titan of Marvel, too. Everything inevitably bows before his supersized persona and otherworldly power. But who is the Mule in Foundation? Here’s what you need to know about him.

In the case of the Mule, the fearsome warlord element isn’t quite as pronounced. He doesn’t use a gigantic sword or don battle armor. Asimov’s great villain of the Foundation series wields a different kind of power. It is one that comes not from brawn but from a brain capable of cowing any individual and even entire planets when he wills it.

Before we get too far into the details of the man of mystery himself, I want to point out that Apple+ and showrunners David S. Goyer and Bill Bost have spent three seasons adapting what many have called “unadaptable” source material.

And despite a host of necessary shifts in the storylines, they’re killing it. Trust me. As someone who has read this series more than once, this isn’t an easy task. That said, the Mule is arguably the best part of the story, and the show is actually adapting his part closer to the source material than any other part of the show thus far.

What does this have to do with who the Mule is? Let’s ask the author himself…

The Mule: A Man of Mystery

Asimov cloaked the character of the Mule in intense mystery in his novels. This means it’s hard to know much about him, even as his part in the story expands. For some context, here’s how the guy is introduced in the book Foundation and Empire.

“The Mule …. Less is known of “The Mule” than of any character of comparable significance to Galactic history. Even the period of his greatest renown is known to us chiefly through the eyes of his antagonists and, principally, through those of a young bride… — Encyclopedia Galactica.”

The Mule is built to be an unknown. He doesn’t get a name, and most people never see him or know what he looks like.

the mule from foundation season threeApple TV+

Despite the facade, over the course of the original story, we do find out a few key factoids about the Mule. One is that he has fierce telepathic ability (something called a “mentalic” in Asimov’s world). He can mess with people’s minds and can suppress the thoughts and hopes of entire planets. This makes it easy to attack his enemies, as he can turn his fiercest adversaries into puppy-like followers in an instant. This is going to be important, as the warlord assaults Foundation and Empire alike in the show, upending Seldon’s plans in the process.

The Mule Is From a Very Important Place in Foundation

The Mule’s home world is also a key part of his story. He hails from Gaia, an utterly unique planet of mentalics founded and shaped by robot wisdom. (Its origin is altered a bit in the show.) Its people are raised to be telepathic and have learned to connect with the flora and fauna. This turns the planet into a super-organism that plays a critical role in the later stages of the Foundation story.

As far as the Mule is concerned, he leaves Gaia when he rejects the collective, turning his back on the “together we are better than apart” philosophy as groupthink mumbo jumbo and choosing to use his mental powers to cow and conquer others. Again, this is a very important point for later in the story.

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But for now, suffice it to say that the Mule is an exiled mutant who is despised in his homeland. One other thing worth pointing out? He’s not who you think he is. In both the show and the books, the Mule is deceptive and clever. Keep an eye on this one (if you can) as Foundation season three plays out, or the Mule pull the wool over your eyes, along with everyone else’s.

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Published on July 11, 2025 00:01

July 10, 2025

DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN Season 2 Wraps Production

Daredevil: Born Again is bringing back Matt Murdock and company for more NYC adventures. The show’s first season on Disney+ was so long that it needed to be split into two parts. Therefore Daredevil: Born Again will indeed have a season two that’s probably coming sooner than most would expect. 

Most recently, we learned that Daredevil: Born Again season two has wrapped production. Although we already knew all the cast and creatives who are present (or missing), co-creator and showrunner Dario Scardapane reminded us of the lineup in his post. Included in the creator’s thanks are “Charlie Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, Deborah Ann Woll, Wilson Bethel, Matt Lillard, Lili Taylor, Krysten Ritter, Michael Gandolfini, Margarita Levieva, Ayelet Zurer, Nikki M. James, Arty Froushan, Clark Johnson, Gennaya Walton, Zabryna Guevara, Sana Amanat, Brad Winderbaum, Eleena Khamedoost, and Phil Silvera.”

Notably present is Krysten Ritter, whom we are excited to see reprise her role as Jessica Jones in the MCU. And notably absent is Elden Henson’s Foggy Nelson, who sadly died in season one of Daredevil: Born Again.

Here’s everything we know about Daredevil: Born Again season two.

Daredevil: Born Again Season Two’s Plot Daredevil stands in a dimly lit cellar with demonic imagesMarvel Studios

Considering season one is not finished, we do not know what the plot of season two is at this time. 

Behind the Scenes 

As reported by Collider, producer Brad Winderbaum confirmed that Season one directors Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead will return for Daredevil: Born Again season two. 

They’re directing a block of episodes, just like they did in Season 1,” he confirmed. “They are fundamental in establishing the tone of Born Again. Those guys are tonal masters.”

Daredevil: Born Again Season Two’s Cast 

Assuming none of them die in the first season, we are sure Charlie Cox, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson, Vincent D’Onofrio, and Jon Bernthal will return for next season. According to Deadline, Scream alum Matthew Lillard will also be in Daredevil: Born Again season two. Details about his role are being kept under wraps. Additionally, per Deadline, Outer Range‘s Lili Taylor has joined the cast.

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Excitingly, Krysten Ritter will return in Daredevil: Born Again season two, reprising her role as Marvel’s Jessica Jones.

Daredevil: Born Again Season Two’s Release Date 

According to current showrunner Dario Scardapane, Daredevil: Born Again will release season two in March 2026. That will be one year after season one’s debut.

Originally published March 28, 2025.

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Published on July 10, 2025 12:36

James Carter Cathcart Dead at 71, POKÉMON Actor Voiced James, Meowth, and Prof. Oak

When it comes to an animated series, voice actors are key to making the characters sing. And one of the most beloved animated series of all is, hands down, Pokémon. When one thinks of Pokémon, Ash and Pikachu probably pop to mind first. But Team Rocket are just behind them. Pokémon would simply not be the same without Jesse, James, and Meowth. Their iconic theme song and hilarious, slightly evil antics made Pokémon into the show that it was. And so, it is with a sad heart that we share that iconic voice actor James Carter Cathcart, who brought James, Meowth, Gary, and Professor Oak to life, has died at the age of 71. We’re reciting the Team Rocket motto right now in our hearts in his honor.James Carter Cathcart Dead at 71 Pokemon voice actor meowth, james, professor oakThe Pokémon Company

James Carter Cathcart died this week after a long battle with throat cancer. He actually retired from acting in 2023 after his diagnosis. But before that sad event, James Carter Cathcart starred in Pokémon from its first episode all the way through Season 25. In total, before his death, James Carter Cathcart brought Meowth, James, and Professor Oak to our screens in over 700 episodes of Pokémon. He also contributed his voice to over 15 Pokémon movies, including 1998’s Pokémon: The First Movie, which is a masterpiece.

Cathcart also acted in other animated series such as Yu-Gi-Oh!, One Piece, and more. But Pokémon will always be his true legacy. Both James and Meowth are easily two of the series’ most interesting characters, and it was James Carter Cathcart who gave them the necessary naunce to capture hearts and minds. And who didn’t have a crush on Gary at some point?

James Carter Cathcart’s death is a sad loss for Pokémon fans. But, no doubt, if you listen, you’ll hear murmurs of “That’s right!” echoing into the stars above.

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Published on July 10, 2025 12:05

THE OFFICE Spinoff Series THE PAPER Shares First Image, Sets Official Release Date

Pop culture has long warned us about the perils of spending too much time inside an office. Yet Hollywood can’t stop spending time in one. And now, it’s official. Peacock has picked off The Office spinoff and given it a series order. We officially have some details about The Office spinoff’s plot and cast members as well as a first-look photo for The Paper.

We now know the series will premiere on Peacock on September 4. It will debut with four episode of The Office spinoff and then drop two weekly every Thursday until September 25.The Paper will have 10 episodes in total. Let’s hope this spinoff has better luck than Suits LA, which just got cancelled after only one season.

image of the office spinoff the paperPeacock

It appears the new series will take place in Toledo, Ohio. Variety reports that a not-yet-released to the general public trailer reveals that Oscar (Nuñez) is now working as an accountant for the Toledo Truth-Teller and is not happy to see the documentary crew again.


The Scranton documentary crew is heading to Toledo. #ThePaper arrives this September on Peacock. pic.twitter.com/Mzmbw7TBzF

— Peacock (@peacock) May 12, 2025
The Office Spinoff The Paper‘s Setting and Plotthe office castNBC

We finally have some more information about The Office spinoff. Variety reveals that this series is “a new mockumentary show with a new cast set in the same universe.”

Additionally, the logline for The Paper is as follows:

The documentary crew that immortalized Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton branch is in search of a new subject when they discover a dying historic Midwestern newspaper and the publisher trying to revive it with volunteer reporters.

Very interesting indeed.

Lisa Katz, president of NBCUniversal Entertainment shares “It’s been more than ten years since the final episode of ‘The Office’ aired on NBC, and the acclaimed comedy series continues to gain popularity and build new generations of fans on Peacock. In partnership with Universal Television and led by the creative team of Greg Daniels and Michael Koman, this new series set in the universe of Dunder Mifflin introduces a new cast of characters in a fresh setting ripe for comedic storytelling: a daily newspaper.”

The Paper‘s CastTHE OFFICE Spinoff Series THE PAPER Shares First Image, Sets Official Release Date_1HBO

Star Wars‘ Domhnall Gleeson and The White Lotus‘ Sabrina Impacciatore are the first performers to join The Office spinoff’s cast. The Hollywood Reporter says Gleeson and Impacciatore have signed on for a possible new sequel show to the smash hit NBC series, which remains as popular as ever thanks to streaming.

Impacciatore is an Emmy-nominated actress, and Gleeson is known around both this world and the galaxy far, far away as the detestable General Armitage Hux. Impacciatore plays the managing editor for the Toledo Truth-Teller, while Gleeson plays an idealistic new employee.

There are a lot of people who will star in this series. According to Deadline, Chelsea Frei, Melvin Gregg, Gbemisola Ikumelo, Alex Edelman, Ramona Young, Tim Key, and Oscar Nuñez star in the series. Meanwhile, Eric Rahill, Tracy Letts, Molly Ephraim, Mo Welch, Allan Havey, Duane Shepard Sr., Nate Jackson and Nancy Lenehan are set to guest star in The Office spinoff. We don’t know anything about their characters quite yet, but we should be getting more information soon.

We previously learned that The Office spinoff added Melvin Gregg, Chelsea Frei, and Ramona Young to its growing cast. I personally loved Gregg in The Blackening and know he will be hilarious in this.

THE OFFICE Spinoff Series Adds Three New Cast Members_1Peacock/The CW/Lionsgate FilmsMore About The Office Spinoff: The Paper

This new version of The Office is in development from original series creator Greg Daniels and Michael Korman. Reports of a potential The Office spinoff first came to light last September. Daniels then put together a writing room in January. Now, we know we will get episodes this September, which is pretty quick for a TV series these days.

The Office Jim Stares into the camera - Peacock Price hike articleNBC

We will surely find out more once the trailer for The Paper drops.

Originally published on April 29, 2024.

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Published on July 10, 2025 11:31

Ronny Chieng Joins KING OF THE HILL Revial Cast as Kahn, OG Actor Now Plays Dale Gribble

At first, the cast of The King of the Hill revival seemed like it would be straightforward. Basically, everyone who voiced characters in the original King of the Hill series was slated to return for season 14. But sadly, one iconic voice will only be in a few of the King of the Hill revival episodes. Johnny Hardwick, who played Dale in the original series, passed away while working on season 14 of the show. In total, Hardwick voiced 6 out of 10 of the King of the Hill revival episodes. The remaining Dale scenes will instead be voiced by Toby Huss, who voiced Kahn Souphanousinphone in the original series. But Huss won’t be pulling double duty this time. It turns out that comedian and The Daily Show host Ronny Chieng has actually joined the cast of King of the Hill‘s revival to voice Kahn.King of the Hill ronny chieng will voice Kahn in revival castHulu/Fox

Ronny Chieng is one hilarious man. And we’re sure his voice talents will add to the show greatly. A release detailing news about the King of the Hill revival shares that “Emmy-winning comedian and actor Ronny Chieng joins the cast as returning character, Kahn Souphanousinphone.” We also get a quick rundown of this King of the Hill character, “Kahn is Hank’s Laotian neighbor who lives with his wife Minh. Kahn is arrogant and has maintained his superiority complex towards his Arlen neighbors. He is ultra-competitive and often butts heads with Hank as he attempts to ‘win’ at life. He loves his daughter Connie, but tries to control her life and thinks she is too good to associate with Bobby Hill.”

We’ll just have to see what shenanigans Ronny Chieng’s Kahn will get up to in season 14 of King of the Kill. In full, the King of the Hill revival cast includes: Mike Judge, Kathy Najimy, Pamela Adlon, Johnny Hardwick, Stephen Root, Lauren Tom, Toby Huss, and Ronny Chieng. You can check them out below in the full trailer for King of the Hill season 14.

The King of the Hill revival releases on Hulu on August 4; all 10 of its episodes will drop at once. You can stream the original series now on Hulu.

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Published on July 10, 2025 10:14

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