Chris Hardwick's Blog, page 87

May 17, 2025

DOCTOR WHO Brings Back a Former Classic Era Companion for a HUGE Cameo

.cls-2{fill:#9d342c}

Doctor Who is no stranger to bringing back old characters. We’ve gotten some really great character returns since the show’s return 20 years ago, from beloved Classic era companions like Sarah Jane Smith to former Doctors for anniversary specials. But, the sixth episode of season two gives us perhaps the most shocking Doctor Who character return of all-time: Susan Foreman. Yes, the Doctor’s granddaughter and first real companion made an appearance onscreen for the first time in many, many decades. 

Wait, Who Is Susan Foreman in Doctor Who?!

For those who aren’t familiar with the show’s early days, the First Doctor traveled with his granddaughter Susan. The show began with Susan masquerading as a student at a high school with the obvious made up last name of Susan. Two nosy teachers, Barbara and Ian, follow her home and discover that she lives in the TARDIS. They end up on a series of adventures until the 1964 serial “The Dalek Invasion of Earth,” which takes place in the 22nd century.

Susan meets a dude named David and marginally likes him, which the Doctor (and writers) interpret as her falling in love. The Doctor locks her out of the TARDIS and gives a very wild yet moving speech saying she must live her life and he will be back one day. Except, he never returns. He takes off and leaves her with a man she barely knows. She did make an appearance in a 20th anniversary special called The Five Doctors, thanks to some timey wimey plot, but there’s no mention of David and her fate is ambiguous. She presumably went back into her own timestream and kept living life.

Susan’s Importance to Doctor Who and Big Return in Season Two  

Since then, there have been quite a few mentions of Susan. More recently, the Twelfth Doctor had a picture of Susan on his desk. The Fifteenth Doctor even told Ruby Sunday that he had a granddaughter once but suspects she is dead like the other Time Lords. For a moment, Fifteen thought that Susan Triad was his granddaughter, but that wasn’t true. Over the years, fans kept speculating whether Susan is alive and if she’d ever reunite with the Doctor.

Well, in this episode, the Doctor finally sees an aged Susan for the first time in his mind. During his last Vindicator stop with Belinda, they end up at the Interstellar song competition many years in the future. Things go awry when Kid, a member of the Hellions, shows up to get revenge against the Corporation, who sponsors the contest watched by trillions of people. This same Corporation destroyed his home planet Hellia to harvest poppies for honey flavoring. Now, he wants to use a Delta wave to kill every single viewer.

RELATED ARTICLE

Who Is Mrs. Flood in DOCTOR WHO? Her Appearances in Season Two Are Sinister

He essentially sucks the majority of the large crowd out of the facility, including the Doctor. As he begins to crystalize in space, the Doctor sees a vision of an aged Susan Foreman in the TARDIS, who calls him grandfather and tells him to go back. Most importantly, she tells the Doctor to find her. It is truly a joy to see Carole Anne Ford reprise her role as Susan in Doctor Who over sixty years after her first appearance. 

This reignites the Doctor and he comes up with a clever way to get back to the vessel. Upon hearing Kid’s genocidal plan, the Doctor comes up with one of his own, using a device to convert things into hard light and a hologram version of himself to torture Kid. It is a very harsh moment for the Doctor that only stops when Belinda arrives in the control room.

image of varada sethu and ncuti gatwa in doctor who season twoLara Cornell/BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf

Of course, the Doctor ends up saving the day using the group’s collective smarts versus brute force. But, throughout this ordeal, he keeps seeing Susan’s face in the TARDIS. She even tells him to stop torturing Kid, which he ignores. He tries to write off his visions in the episode but this is all setting up perhaps the greatest reunion in Doctor Who history between our fave protagonist and Susan.

Will Susan Return to Doctor Who for an Official Reunion?

Discovering that Susan is truly alive and reuniting with her would be a major breakthrough for the Doctor. He’s been in this world believing that he has no living family and perhaps feeling some guilt for leaving her behind. This would give him a connection to Gallifrey and his past once again.

Why is Susan reaching out to the Doctor after all this time? How does this connect to whatever Mrs. Flood is cooking up? We will get all the answers soon.

.youtube-embed{padding-bottom:56.25%!important;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.youtube-embed a,.youtube-embed iframe{display:block;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute}.youtube-embed iframe{border:0}.youtube-embed img.youtube-cover{-o-object-fit:cover;object-fit:cover;height:100%;width:100%;cursor:pointer}.youtube-embed img.play-button{width:66px;position:absolute;left:46%;top:0;bottom:0;margin:auto;cursor:pointer}@media only screen and (max-width:499px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:45%;width:60px}}@media only screen and (max-width:425px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:44%;width:60px}}@media only screen and (max-width:375px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:43%;width:56px}}@media only screen and (max-width:345px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:42%;width:50px}}.youtube-embed .progressive-img{-webkit-filter:blur(10px);filter:blur(10px)}.youtube-embed .progressive-img.loaded{-webkit-filter:none;filter:none;-webkit-transition:-webkit-filter 1s ease-out;transition:-webkit-filter 1s ease-out;-o-transition:filter 1s ease-out;-moz-transition:filter 1s ease-out;transition:filter 1s ease-out;transition:filter 1s ease-out,-webkit-filter 1s ease-out}.youtube-embed .kskdDiv{display:none!important}

The post DOCTOR WHO Brings Back a Former Classic Era Companion for a HUGE Cameo appeared first on Nerdist.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on May 17, 2025 00:45

May 16, 2025

THE SIMPSONS’ New Voice of Milhouse Will Debut in Season 36’s Finale, Welcome Kelly Macleod

Earlier this year, a staple of The Simpsons announced she was retiring from the show. Pamela Hayden is stepping away after more than 35 years playing a bevy of characters on the animated series. That includes her most iconic and beloved little blue-haired “dud,” Milhouse Van Houten. But while Hayden is leaving Springfield, USA her characters are staying. And now we know who—and when—will take over as the voice of Milhouse. Singer Kelly Macleod will make her debut as Milhouse during The Simpsons‘ season 36 finale. Only her first time in the role will see her playing a much older version of the character.

Milhouse in the cafeteria with an orange megaphone on The Simpsons20th Century Studios

Entertainment Weekly reports The Simpsons has tapped Macleod to take up its Milhouse mantle. She will make her debut as Springfield’s resident poindexter this Sunday, May 18, during the series’ 36th season finale “Estranger Things.” The episode’s official description says, “When Bart & Lisa stop watching Itchy & Scratchy together, Marge fears that they’ll start to drift apart… but she has no idea how bad things are about to get!” Macleod won’t have much to do during her first stint as Milhouse on The Simpsons, though. EW says she only has one line, which will come during a scene featuring much older versions of Bart, Lisa, and Milhouse.

Nothing like an extra layer of difficulty during your first day on the job. Or at least, this is her first day on the Milhouse beat. Macleod actually made her The Simpsons debut in 2022’s “Bart the Cool Kid,” where she sang “Two Badges, One Mind.”

It’s unclear if Macleod will eventually take on any of Hayden’s other characters in addition to Milhouse, but The Simpsons already recast Jimbo Jones. Mo Collins took over the bully role earlier this season. And that’s fine with us so long as her version of Jimbo stays away from Macleod’s version of Milhouse. He might have a new voice actor playing him, but we’re still just as protective of our favorite dud as ever.

RELATED ARTICLE

THE SIMPSONS’ Milhouse Voice Actor Retires From Show After 35 Years.youtube-embed{padding-bottom:56.25%!important;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.youtube-embed a,.youtube-embed iframe{display:block;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute}.youtube-embed iframe{border:0}.youtube-embed img.youtube-cover{-o-object-fit:cover;object-fit:cover;height:100%;width:100%;cursor:pointer}.youtube-embed img.play-button{width:66px;position:absolute;left:46%;top:0;bottom:0;margin:auto;cursor:pointer}@media only screen and (max-width:499px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:45%;width:60px}}@media only screen and (max-width:425px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:44%;width:60px}}@media only screen and (max-width:375px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:43%;width:56px}}@media only screen and (max-width:345px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:42%;width:50px}}.youtube-embed .progressive-img{-webkit-filter:blur(10px);filter:blur(10px)}.youtube-embed .progressive-img.loaded{-webkit-filter:none;filter:none;-webkit-transition:-webkit-filter 1s ease-out;transition:-webkit-filter 1s ease-out;-o-transition:filter 1s ease-out;-moz-transition:filter 1s ease-out;transition:filter 1s ease-out;transition:filter 1s ease-out,-webkit-filter 1s ease-out}.youtube-embed .kskdDiv{display:none!important}

The post THE SIMPSONS’ New Voice of Milhouse Will Debut in Season 36’s Finale, Welcome Kelly Macleod appeared first on Nerdist.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on May 16, 2025 13:32

THE LEGEND OF AANG: THE LAST AIRBENDER Movie Delayed to October 2026

Water. Earth. Fire. Air. Long ago, the four nations lived together in harmony. Then everything changed when a new Avatar: The Last Airbender movie was announced. Yes, we’re getting a cinematic outing that will continue the story of all our favorite characters from the original series. The Gaang, a.k.a Aang, Katara, Sokka, Zuko, Toph, and company, will grace our screens again in a brand new movie titled, The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender.


THE LEGEND OF AANG: THE LAST AIRBENDER – only in theatres October 9, 2026. pic.twitter.com/2Zh9quUHty

— Paramount Pictures (@ParamountPics) May 16, 2025

The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender was meant to release October 10, 2025, a date which would have marked the 20th anniversary of the original Avatar: The Last Airbender series. It was then pushed to January 20, 2026. Now The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender has again been delayed. Now the new Avatar: The Last Airbender movie will release on October 9, 2026, a year after its original release date.

Here’s everything we know about the new Avatar: The Last Airbender movie.

Aang, Sokka, Toph, KataraTitle

The new Avatar: The Last Airbender animated movie finally revealed its new name. The Avatar: The Last Airbender movie is now officially titled The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender. That’s not much of a change from the working title Aang: The Last Airbender, but hey, why not?

The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender Movie‘s Plot

Not much has been revealed about the plot of the Avatar: The Last Airbender movie. However, a glimpse at artwork from the film revealed at CinemaCon 2023 showed us all our favorite characters looking a little older than we left them. Possibly the group in The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender is somewhere in their late 20s. That will certainly be an interesting age to explore the dynamics between them all.

We assume the movie will reveal to us Aang, Zuko, and pals’ continued quest to bring peace to the four nations after the intense upheaval Fire Lord Ozai wreaked upon the world. A lot still needs fixed, after all. We hope this movie can continue the series’ legacy of delivering exactly the right story to its fans.

Avatar the Last Airbender new animated movie will continue the story of the world after Aang defeats Fire Lord OzaiNickelodeon

Additionally, we know that this movie is one of three animated Avatar movies that Nickelodeon’s Avatar Studios will create. Avatar Studios is “a newly formed division designed to create original content spanning animated series and movies based on the beloved world of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra.” We don’t know, however, if the movies will serve as sequels to one another or each will be a stand-alone.

The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender Movie‘s Cast

We know that Dave Bautista and Eric Nam will headline the voice cast of the new Avatar: The Last Airbender animated movie. Bautista will play a villain in the film, while Nam will voice Aang. Joining this pair in the voice cast are Dionne Quan, Jessica Matten, Steven Yeun, and Roman Zaragoza. We don’t yet know who they will play in The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender.

Sokka, Zuko, Toph, Katara and Aang as adultsNickelodeon

We don’t have any word yet on whether we’ll see some of our original favorites reprise their roles or in any other capacity. But we do feel like Dante Basco is Zuko.

Recently, Toph’s original voice actress Michaela Jae Murphy, also knowns as Jessie Flower, noted she didn’t believe the original cast would return. However, there’s not yet an official confirmation of this statement. Hopefully, our original actors will have a role to play yet.

Behind the Scenes 

Lauren Montgomery will direct the Avatar: The Last Airbender movie. Additionally, series co-creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael DiMartino will produce the film alongside Eric Coleman.

The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender Movie‘s Release Date

One thing we do know is when we can expect the new Avatar: The Last Airbender animated movie. The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender will release on January 20, 2026.

Originally published on May 2, 2023.

.youtube-embed{padding-bottom:56.25%!important;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.youtube-embed a,.youtube-embed iframe{display:block;width:100%;height:100%;position:absolute}.youtube-embed iframe{border:0}.youtube-embed img.youtube-cover{-o-object-fit:cover;object-fit:cover;height:100%;width:100%;cursor:pointer}.youtube-embed img.play-button{width:66px;position:absolute;left:46%;top:0;bottom:0;margin:auto;cursor:pointer}@media only screen and (max-width:499px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:45%;width:60px}}@media only screen and (max-width:425px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:44%;width:60px}}@media only screen and (max-width:375px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:43%;width:56px}}@media only screen and (max-width:345px){.youtube-embed img.play-button{left:42%;width:50px}}.youtube-embed .progressive-img{-webkit-filter:blur(10px);filter:blur(10px)}.youtube-embed .progressive-img.loaded{-webkit-filter:none;filter:none;-webkit-transition:-webkit-filter 1s ease-out;transition:-webkit-filter 1s ease-out;-o-transition:filter 1s ease-out;-moz-transition:filter 1s ease-out;transition:filter 1s ease-out;transition:filter 1s ease-out,-webkit-filter 1s ease-out}.youtube-embed .kskdDiv{display:none!important}

The post THE LEGEND OF AANG: THE LAST AIRBENDER Movie Delayed to October 2026 appeared first on Nerdist.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on May 16, 2025 13:14

New HUNGER GAMES Movie Casts Young Haymitch, Ralph Fiennes Joins as President Snow

Not too long ago, on the very heels of a new Hunger Games book announcement, we also received new of a new Hunger Games movie, and this time it’s all about Haymitch Abernathy. Suzanne Collins announced that she was releasing a new Hunger Games book, Sunrise on the Reaping, that would focus on the Second Quarter Quell, the Hunger Games that were won by a young Haymitch Abernathy. And, unsurprisingly, Lionsgate followed up that announcement by announcing Sunrise on the Reaping will become our newest Hunger Games movie. Now Sunrise on the Reaping, the book, is out in the world, and we have new information about the movie, too, a new logo and a writer.

Check it all out below.

Sunrise on the Reaping new the hunger games movie logo (1)LionsgateA New Hunger Games Movie Is on the Way

Lionsgate shared, “Lionsgate will return to the world of Panem with the major motion picture adaptation of the next book in the franchise, Suzanne Collins’s highly anticipated Hunger Games novel Sunrise on the Reaping, it was announced today by Adam Fogelson, chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.”

new hunger games haymitch movie sunrise on the reaping in the worksLionsgate

Additionally, Nina Jacobson, alongside her producing partner Brad Simpson, will return to produce The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. A release notes that “Francis Lawrence is in talks to direct the film; Lawrence has helmed four previous films in the Hunger Games franchise – every film since Catching Fire.”

Most recently, screenwriter Billy Ray was named the writer for Sunrise on the Reaping. Ray co-wrote the original The Hunger Games movie and get ready for it that iconic Nicole Kidman AMC ad. Amazing.

Sunrise on the Reaping CastElle Fanning and Elizabeth Banks as The hunger games Effie TrinketDisney/Lionsgate

The first two major cast members have closed deals to star in Sunrise on the Reaping. Deadline reports relative newcomer Joseph Zada will portray Haymitch in the movie. Opposite him, as Haymitch’s girlfriend, Lenore Dove Baird, will be Hocus Pocus 2‘s Whitney Peak.

Other reports indicate that Elle Fanning is in talks to play a younger Effie Trinket. This well-known The Hunger Games character was first played by Elizabeth Banks in the first four movies. Additionally, McKenna Grace will play Maysilee Donner, another one of the tributes from District 12.

In exciting news, Sunrise on the Reaping has cast Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee. Plutarch Heavensbee is a future Head Gamemaker in The Hunger Games and rebellion leader. The role of Plutarch Heavensbee was previously played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, and honestly, this casting is astoundingly good.

Mufasa: The Lion King‘s Kelvin Harrison Jr. has been cast as a familiar face, Beetee. Beetee is the victor of the 34th Hunger Games and the father of Ampert Latier, a tribute in the 50th Hunger Games. Beetee is a tech wizard and we feel Kelvin Harrison Jr. will play him to perfection.

Ben Wang of American Born Chinese and Karate Kid: Legends fame will portray District 12 Tribute Wyatt Callow. He is an excellent actor and won the role over literally thousands of other potential candidates.

Additionally, Stranger Things Maya Hawke has joined the cast as Wiress, another Hunger Games victor who has become a mentor to new tributes. Finally, Ralph Fiennes has joined Sunrise on the Reaping as the new President Snow—cementing yet another major villainous role in his repertoire.

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping‘s Synopsis and Haymitch Focus

A plot synopsis for the new Hunger Games movie shares of the Sunrise on the Reaping film:

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will revisit the world of Panem twenty-four years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the Fiftieth Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

Of course, as mentioned, this setting means we’ll get the backstory of Haymitch Abernathy in the new Hunger Games movie.

When Will the New Hunger Games Movie Sunrise on the Reaping Release?Woody Harrelson looks stern as Haymitch in The Hunger GamesLionsgate

The new Hunger Games movie even has a release date. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping will release in theaters in North America beginning on November 20, 2026.

Originally published in 2024.

The post New HUNGER GAMES Movie Casts Young Haymitch, Ralph Fiennes Joins as President Snow appeared first on Nerdist.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on May 16, 2025 11:24

Netflix’s GEARS OF WAR Live-Action Movie Shows First Signs of Life in TWO Years

To celebrate its 16th anniversary, in 2022 Netflix announced a real treat for Gears of War fans, a live-action movie adaptation of the action-driven game. Not only that, but the streamer hinted at the potential for a whole cinematic universe for the games. Netflix noted that it would also create an adult animated series “with the potential for more stories to follow.” But today, we still don’t have many details about the the Netflix Gears of War movie. In 2023, Netflix revealed that the writer of the Dune movies and Doctor Strange, Jon Spaihts, would be the one to adapt the classic game into movie form. Then, for two years, there was silence. But now it appears high-profile director David Leitch has come aboard to direct the Netflix film.

The Hollywood Reporter reports that Fall Guy director David Leitch is in negotiations to direct Netflix’s Gears of War movie. This deal does net yet seem to have been completed. But it IS the first we’ve heard of the movie in years.

The report also indicates that Dune writer Jon Spaihts remains attached to Gears of War.


Jon Spaihts (Dune 1 and 2 and Doctor Strange) will adapt the iconic video game Gears of War into a live action feature film for Netflix! https://t.co/OHDAQUPm0l

— Netflix (@netflix) March 21, 2023

In a statement shared by Spaihts, he noted his passion for the project, saying:

Gears of War is one of the all-time great action games, with vivid characters, a beautifully designed world, and a combat system that drives home the lethality of war and the importance of standing by your squadmates. It wants to be cinema, and I’m thrilled to have the chance to help that happen.

Netflix is releasing a live-action Gears of War movie adaptation of the popular gamesThe Coalition/Netflix

That certainly sounds like a promising direction for the live-action Gears of War movie. Attempts to adapt the game have happened before, but none of them came to fruition. But it’s a hay day for video game adaptations right now, so we feel certain we’ll see this one come fully to life.

Originally published on March 21, 2023.

The post Netflix’s GEARS OF WAR Live-Action Movie Shows First Signs of Life in TWO Years appeared first on Nerdist.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on May 16, 2025 10:00

Netflix Promises AI-Generated Ad Breaks in 2026

Ads are going to get even… worse and weirder. At least that’s what it sounds like to us. It’s bad enough that basically every streaming platform has abandoned the vision of the user experience to ply even moderately costly subscription tiers with as many ads as will fit. But now, Netflix indicates it will use AI to create ads for viewers during their watching experience beginning in 2026. Amy Reinhard, president of advertising at Netflix told attendees at Netflix’s upfront presentation (which we saw via Media Play News), “When you compare us to our competitors, attention starts higher and ends much higher. And even more impressive, members pay as much attention to mid-roll ads as they do to the shows and movies themselves,” and noted that “Netflix would be launching AI-generated interactive advertising midroll and pause ad formats beginning in 2026.”

It’s unclear what exactly “AI-generated midroll and pause ads” will look like on Netflix when they arrive in 2026. But it certainly sounds like a threat. It’s bad enough to sit through ads filled with real people who were at least performed by actors, written by writers, and directed by directors. The idea of seeing Netflix filled with uncanny-valley ads from AI that think they know something about you is… we don’t like it.

Gi-hun in Squid Game season 3 trailer being drug off by guardsNetflix

According to Reinhard, ad-supported tier subscribers watch on average 41 hours of Netflix per month. Kotaku reveals that those users watch roughly three hours of ads per month. That feels like WAY too many ads. At least, users don’t have to worry about these commercials being strange AI ads when they watch Netflix, but not for long.

“Either they have great technology, or they have great entertainment,” Reinhard concluded, “Our superpower has always been the fact that we have both.” That does feel like a true statement. But we will that Netflix would use its powers for something other than plying users with AI-generated ads.

The post Netflix Promises AI-Generated Ad Breaks in 2026 appeared first on Nerdist.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on May 16, 2025 09:45

You Can ‘Speak’ with an AI Version of James Earl Jones’ Darth Vader Voice on FORTNITE (And He’s Already Said F***)

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that James Earl Jones had a magnificent voice. And James Earl Jones’ Darth Vader voice is one of the most magnificent of all. That voice will ALWAYS be associated with the terrible leader of the dark side on Star Wars. Before his death, as he finally retired, James Earl Jones granted Disney the rights to recreate his Darth Vader voice via AI in future Star Wars projects. The first instance of this AI recreation of Jones’ voice happened in Obi-Wan Kenobi, Disney and Lucasfilm used a program called Respeecher to create the sound of Vader. And now, Disney will once again use generative AI to bring James Earl Jones’ Darth Vader voice to life, this time in Fortnite. This time, however, James Earl Jones’ Darth Vader voice won’t just recite canned lines, but actually “speak” to players.

Unsurprisingly, this has already gone wrong, resulting in James Earl Jones’ Darth Vader voice swearing and using other obscenities. You can check out a clip below.


Darth Vader AI already accidentally swore & called Loserfruit a "Thug".. they'll hotfix this asap 😭😭pic.twitter.com/deDlqZOXpv

— HYPEX (@HYPEX) May 16, 2025

Before we get deeper into everything the feels/and could go wrong with this idea. Here’s the crux of what’s actually happening. In a blog post, Disney and Epic Games company share the following about using AI to bring James Earl Jones Darth Vader back to life. “Darth Vader wouldn’t be nearly as sinister without the legendary performance of James Earl Jones, who voiced Vader in the Star Wars films. We’re honored to feature the voice of the late Mr. Jones, and we thank his estate for the opportunity to make this happen for players.” The post also features a post from the family of James Earl Jones that shares, “James Earl felt that the voice of Darth Vader was inseparable from the story of Star Wars, and he always wanted fans of all ages to continue to experience it. We hope that this collaboration with Fortnite will allow both longtime fans of Darth Vader and newer generations to share in the enjoyment of this iconic character.”

darth vader comes to fortnite using James Earl Jones AI voice (1)Fortnite

But how will “speaking” to Jones’ Vader via AI actually work? Fortnite notes, “Strategize with the ultimate Sith Lord. With your voice. And he’ll respond back using conversational AI. Darth Vader has touched down once again as a boss in Battle Royale, replacing Darth Vader Samurai. Be the first to recruit him and your whole team will be able to take turns talking to the Dark Lord. Just remember to press the special Darth Vader button that’ll pop up to talk to him. Ask him all your pressing questions about the Force, the Galactic Empire… or you know, a good strat for the last Storm circle. The Sith Lord has opinions.”

As mentioned, we’re going to give this one a big hrm… Although we feel glad that James Earl Jones actually gave his own free consent for Disney to recreate his Darth Vader voice using AI, it also feels worth pointing out that AI has TREMENDOUSLY evolved since 2022 when he gave his consent. We also approve of his family’s involvement in the affair. But even still, the idea that users can speak to James Earl Jones’ Darth Vader, and the generative AI might generate anything in response is a bit troubling—even beyond the usual concerns of ethics and morality. And, as we see up top, it’s already happening.

james earl jones darth vader fortnite ai reporting (1)Fortnite

In an FAQ section, Fortnite notes that users can report anything Darth Vader says. They note the question, “Can I report something Darth Vader says?” And answer, “Yes. You can do this in the Darth Vader channel in Voice Chat or by submitting a bug report. This is separate from Voice Reporting.” This FAQ seemingly hints that Fortnite has some assumption that James Earl Jones’ AI Darth Vader voice may say something that merits reporting. And we’re not sure we like that very much at all.

 Epic Games partner Shiina additionally reports that “The Darth Vader AI is NOT allowed to engage in a romantic relationship with players.” But… well, we saw how the swearing thing went.

Fortnite has not issued an updated statement for now. We’ll just have to see what happens.

The post You Can ‘Speak’ with an AI Version of James Earl Jones’ Darth Vader Voice on FORTNITE (And He’s Already Said F***) appeared first on Nerdist.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on May 16, 2025 09:02

The Mets’ Broadcast Director Turns Baseball Into Cinematic Art in Compilation Video

To me, baseball is cinema. At least, that’s what it feels like when John DeMarisco, the game director for the Mets’ SNY regional sports network approaches it. Like many of us, he’s a total film nerd who advocates for the importance of physical media. And, he’s able to make these beautiful connections between America’s favorite pastime and memorable cinematic moments. DeMarisco recently posted a video on X that proves that watching baseball is just as thrilling as seeing an action flick on the big screen. 


Woke up to thousands of new followers. Here's a crash course on the things we do here for the new folks #Baseballiscinema pic.twitter.com/LzsPb8UcUW

— John DeMarsico (@JohnDeMarsico) May 12, 2025

It’s a nice compilation of the broadcasting team’s documentation and cinema worthy coverage of the Mets’ baseball games. Even if you aren’t a huge fan of the sport (or you just don’t like the Mets), you’ll love the parallels drawn in this clip.

For example, there’s a clip from Planet of the Apes (1968) of character George Taylor, who is on horseback and discovers the remnants of the Statue of Liberty. We can see part of her crown in the foreground. The next shot also shows our fair lady’s crown over the Mets’ baseball field.

shot of planet of the apes and a mets baseball game in cinema videoJohn DeMarsico/X

The sweeping music, the camera angles, it all just works beautifully. It is intentional, a bit whimsical, and includes such a wide reference of films. Enjoy every second, friends.

The post The Mets’ Broadcast Director Turns Baseball Into Cinematic Art in Compilation Video appeared first on Nerdist.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on May 16, 2025 07:57

May 15, 2025

Jason Voorhees, the Iconic FRIDAY THE 13th Slasher, Gets a New Look for His 45th Birthday

Forty-five years ago, Camp Crystal Lake became synonymous with terror when Friday the 13th hit theaters. Although Jason Voorhees doesn’t show up till the end of the movie (kinda), the iconic slasher nevertheless became the series mascot. Now, as a way of celebrating 45 years of Jason, we’ve learned (via Adweek), that Horror, Inc., the company that owns the Jason Voorhees IP, has revealed the character’s new look. Fans got a look before its debut in the A24/Peacock series, Crystal Lake. And it’s a very retro-looking design, harkening back to Jason’s first handful of appearances. Special makeup effects legend Greg Nicotero (The Walking Dead) helped design the “new” Jason, which you can see below:

The new, retro look of Jason Voorhees from Friday the 13th.Horror Inc./Jason Universe

Here’s what Horror Inc.’s Rob Barsamian had to say about Jason’s new (old) look:

We strive to maintain Jason’s original essence, while continuing to move toward the future with a defined look and feel that takes Jason into his next chapter. We’re also working with both familiar and fresh franchise voices to strike that balance. We gave Greg our new 13-hole mask and worked together on this full body look that embodies classic Jason. He’s a strong, towering and terrifying slasher with a machete, his weapon of choice.

The logo for Jason Universe.Jason Universe

The new Jason look will debut in the new Crystal Lake series, but will be consistent across all “Jason Universe” media. So when the legendary slasher appears next in a video game, or that eventual new Friday the 13th movie, he’ll look the same. From a corporate standpoint, we get it. But it’s a little dismaying that a future director of a movie or game where Jason appears won’t really have a say on the character’s design. It’s already pre-chosen.

The rights to the cinematic Friday the 13th franchise were in litigation for several years. But in 2024, original Friday screenwriter Victor Miller won the rights back. Whatever new movie that eventually comes out will be made in collaboration with him. It’s now been 16 years since Jason killed horny camp counselors on the big screen. And that’s just way too long a wait. Hopefully, this all means we won’t have to wait too much longer for the thirteenth Friday installment.

The post Jason Voorhees, the Iconic FRIDAY THE 13th Slasher, Gets a New Look for His 45th Birthday appeared first on Nerdist.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on May 15, 2025 15:41

LEGO Is Serving Up a Tasty THE SIMPSONS Krusty Burger Set

If you’re hungry to add another LEGO set to your The Simpsons collection the company is adding the perfect option to its menu. LEGO’s new Krusty Burger Set is a delightful replica of Springfield’s most popular fast food chain. And this location comes populated with plenty of its most frequent customers.

The outside of the LEGO Krusty Burger set on display with minigifsThe LEGO Group

The LEGO Group has partnered with The Walt Disney Company and 20th Television Animation for a tasty collectible. The Simpsons: Krusty Burger display set recreates Springfield’s iconic hamburger joint. The 1,635-piece set, designed for ages 18+, measures 10-inches high, 10-inches wide, and 8-inches deep. It features a kitchen, dining area, restroom, drive-thru lane, and Krusty’s famous visage atop a pole sign. It also’s built with an easy to lift roof so you can open it up and display an interior LEGO says is “packed with Easter eggs and memorable features.”

But what’s a Krusty Burger without people to enjoy it? And this set comes with seven minifigures to fill yours out. It includes: Homer, Bart, Lisa, Farmer Krusty, Sideshow Bob, Officer Lou, and the Squeaky-Voiced Teen behind the counter.

The inside of the LEGO Krusty Burger set on display with minigifsThe LEGO Group

You won’t have to wait long to get your hungry hands on one, either. (Unlike LEGO’s IRS Burger set which we’ll have to wait much longer for.) LEGO Insiders get early access to this set starting June 1. Everyone else can grab theirs in store or online starting June 4.

Unlike a normal visit to this chain’s Springfield location, though, this set does not come with a fast food price. LEGO lists The Simpsons: Krusty Burger set for $209.99. And that price doesn’t include if you also want to throw in a Partially Gelatinated, Non-Dairy, Gum-Based Beverage to enjoy while you build.

But, obviously, you should definitely spring for one of those. It’s the only way to have a truly authentic Krusty Burger experience.

The post LEGO Is Serving Up a Tasty THE SIMPSONS Krusty Burger Set appeared first on Nerdist.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on May 15, 2025 12:28

Chris Hardwick's Blog

Chris Hardwick
Chris Hardwick isn't a Goodreads Author (yet), but they do have a blog, so here are some recent posts imported from their feed.
Follow Chris Hardwick's blog with rss.