I’m sure you all remember that mid-credits scene in _Thor: Love and Thunder_ where Zeus, in a god-sized tantrum, sent his son Hercules to go after Thor? It felt like the start of something big... and then nothing. Just another cool tease with no follow-up like Starfox, Blade, Clea, and Jake Lockley, all left lingering in the MCU’s ever-expanding "We’ll get to it later" folder. Well, according to scooper @DanielRichtman, Marvel Studios is developing a solo _Hercules_ project, and yes, **Brett Goldstein** is still on board. The _Ted Lasso_ star surprised everyone with his gruff, godly cameo, and now it sounds like that moment could evolve into a full-blown adventure. While a movie is technically possible, a Disney+ series or Special Presentation seems like the smarter, and safer, route. Marvel is developing more projects than it’ll actually greenlight, so _Hercules_ still has a bit of a gauntlet to get through. There’s also some uncertainty over how Hercules will return. A team-up with Thor makes sense, especially if _Thor 5_ goes ahead. Maybe they fight, maybe they team up. Who knows? As for Goldstein, he was as shocked as the rest of us to land the role. In his own words: > “They turn around, and they reveal, ‘It’s Hercules; it’s you.’ And I went, ‘What?’ Just like, ‘Are you serious? Are you [frick]ing with me? Is this a wind-up?’ So yeah, it was as surprising to me as I think it has been to other people.” And no, he didn’t have much prep time. Goldstein added: > “When I spoke to Taika, I said, ‘You know I’m basically like a skinny comedian?’ I said, ‘When is this filming?’ It was like in two weeks, and I was like, ‘I mean, I’ll do my best, but two weeks feels...’ I said, ‘He doesn’t have to be as big as Thor, does he?’ And look, on the day, I mean, I’m doing 400 push-ups that day. I was fit to explode. I did the best I could on that day.” But when it comes to the future? Even Goldstein’s in the dark. > “I truly, honestly — this isn’t me lying or being coy — I know nothing [of the future]. All I know is what I did that day and that’s it. That could be it. It was a fun three seconds.” _Hercules_ is officially back on the radar again, and it sounds like Marvel might finally be ready to put this god to work.

Well, the numbers are in for Marvel’s **_Thunderbolts*_**, and they don’t look great. Despite strong reviews and being framed by Disney CEO **Bob Iger** as the poster child of Marvel’s "quality over quantity" comeback, the film is now officially set to not break even at the global box office. That’s got to be a big sting for Marvel and Disney, and it also raises a bigger question… is Marvel Studios finally recalibrating its playbook? After _Captain America: Brave New World_ stumbled earlier this year following a rocky post-production process, (and expensive reshoots), all eyes turned to _Thunderbolts*_ to stabilize Marvel’s current trajectory. Iger even called it the “first and best” example of Marvel’s refreshed focus, so the stakes were high. Six weeks in, though, the movie has only pulled in $371 million worldwide, and to break even, it needed to hit $425 million. To be fair, Marvel did scale things down here. According to Variety, the studio was cautious going in: the cast was largely composed of characters from _Black Widow_ and _The Falcon and the Winter Soldier_ , both of which were released in that weird pandemic-era blur of streaming and theatrical uncertainty. The production budget was trimmed to $180 million, and the marketing spend capped at $100 million, which was lower than Marvel’s usual blockbuster budgets. Still, it wasn’t enough. Exhibitor Relations analyst **Jeff Bock** points out the core issue: “These lower-tier comic book movies aren’t cinematic slam dunks anymore. _Thunderbolts*_ wrapping up after just a month in theaters is also a concern. These films aren’t legging out like previous iterations.” That might be the most telling sign of where superhero fatigue is landing hardest, on the characters who aren’t household names. Marvel dominated the Infinity Saga era with 19 of its 22 films crossing the $500 million global mark. Now? Only 6 of the 13 Multiverse Saga entries have done the same. That’s a major drop-off. So what’s next? The article hints at a strategic pivot, and it looks like Marvel’s done playing it safe with B-tier characters. The studio’s upcoming slate is stacked with heavy hitters: * The Fantastic Four: First Steps (July 2026) * Avengers: Doomsday and Spider-Man 4 (2026) * Avengers: Secret Wars (2027) * A mystery film in July 2027 * Plus, development continues on X-Men and Black Panther sequels Meanwhile, solo projects like _Blade_ are still stuck in development purgatory. As Variety puts it: “Marvel seems to be embracing a go-big-or-go-home mentality.” The global box office isn’t what it used to be. Superhero saturation is real. And audiences are showing up for the icons, not the ensemble leftovers. I understand that, but at the same time, not ever Marvel movie needs to have a $100 million budget! They could be making great smaller scale film for far less that will pull in a profit. Regardless, Marvel has built a machine that doesn’t rely on just box office numbers. Between Disney+, merchandise, and home release markets, the studio can weather a few misfires. But, unfortunatley, this may scare off Marvel from experimenting with mid-tier team-ups and deep-cut solo runs might be winding down. I just think that can and should still make those movie, but with lower budgets. Also, they don’t have to connect with the larger universe. They can be one and done stories. The Multiverse Saga still has some big swings ahead, but I imagine things are going to change with the kinds of films they make and the characters they play with,, and I’m not excited about it. What are your thoughts?

Netflix just dropped the teaser trailer for **_The Diplomat_** Season 3, and the Oval Office has a new tenant with the arrival of **Allison Janney**. Picking up right where Season 2’s political chaos left off, the new season throws ambassador-turned-power player Kate Wyler (**Keri Russell**) into even deeper waters. Last season ended with President Rayburn dying moments after Hal Wyler (**Rufus Sewell**) tells him that Vice President Grace Penn (Janney) may have orchestrated a terrorist attack on a British warship. Now that Rayburn is out of the picture, Penn isn’t just under suspicion, she’s in charge. According to the official synopsis, “Kate accusing Penn of hatching a terrorist plot and admitting she’s after the vice president’s job. But now the president is dead, Hal may have inadvertently killed him, and Penn is the leader of the free world. None of this slows Hal’s campaign to land Kate the vice presidency. “Kate steps into a role she never wanted, with a freedom she never expected, an increasingly complicated friendship with Foreign Secretary Austin Dennison (**David Gyasi**), and an unnerving bond with First Gentleman Todd Penn (**Bradley Whitford**).” I love that Janney and Whitford are back together after their time together on _The West Wing_. The series also stars **Ali Ahn** , **Rory Kinnear** , and **Ato Essandoh**. New faces include **Celia Imrie** , **Michael McKean** , **Nana Mensah** , and **Miguel Sandoval**. The series was created by **Debora Cahn** , who continues to steer the ship. I’ve enjoyed this show and Season 3 looks like it’s setting up the kind of slow-burn power struggle. Season 3 lands this fall.

Two new posters have been released for the summer sequel, **_I Know What You Did Last Summer_** , the follow-up to the 1997 and 1998 films in the franchise. They are pretty much the same setup, but one features original cast members **Jennifer Love Hewitt** and **Freddie Prinze Jr.** front and center, as they return to play their respective roles of Julie James and Ray Bronson. The other poster features newcomers **Madelyn Cline** (_Outer Banks_), **Chase Sui Wonders** (_The Studio_), **Sarah Pidgeon** (_The Wilds_), **Jonah Hauer-King** (_The Little Mermaid_) and **Tyriq Withers** (_Him_) in the forefront. According to the synopsis, the movie follows "five friends who inadvertently cause a deadly car accident, and cover it up by making a pact to take the secret to the grave. A year later, someone seeks revenge while making it clear they know what they did last summer." That sounds just like the first film, which may be just the right formula, as it’s been almost thirty years since it was released, and a whole new audience is ready for the updated version. Check out the new posters below, and watch _I Know What You Did Last Summer_ in theaters on July 18th. > the truth never stays buried. > #IKnowWhatYouDidLastSummer is exclusively in movie theatres July 18. pic.twitter.com/RQa3HbP9x3 > > — Sony Pictures (@SonyPictures) June 11, 2025 > the truth never stays buried. #IKnowWhatYouDidLastSummer is only in cinemas July 18. pic.twitter.com/PhG9R90VrL > > — Sony Pictures IRL 🎬 (@SonyPicturesIRL) June 11, 2025

If there's one thing we’ve learned over the years, it’s that **Hideo Kojima** doesn’t think like most creators. His mind never stops spiraling with ideas. But even the most forward-thinking artist eventually comes face to face with time, and Kojima’s been thinking about that a lot lately. In an interview with Edge magazine, the _Death Stranding 2_ director revealed something surprisingly vulnerable and, in classic Kojima fashion, a bit cinematic: he’s handed off a USB stick filled with “all my ideas” to his personal assistant. Why? As he puts it: “kind of like a will.” > “I gave a USB stick with all my ideas on it to my personal assistant – kind of like a will. Perhaps they could continue to make things after I'm gone, here at Kojima Productions… > > “This is a fear for me – what happens to Kojima Productions after I'm gone. I don't want them to just manage our existing IP.” Damn! Kojima, now 60, says the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to reevaluate his own mortality. > “Until then, I didn't think I was old, you know? I just didn't feel my age, and I assumed I would be able to create for as long as I live.” That illusion was shattered when he fell seriously ill. > "But then I became sick, and I couldn't create anything. And I saw lots of people around me passing away at that time. I was confronted with death. > > “Of course, I recovered, but now I was thinking, 'Wait, how many years do I have left to make a game or a film?' Perhaps I would have ten years?" It’s a sobering admission from someone often viewed as a creative machine, endlessly imaginative, seemingly unstoppable. But beneath the high-concept visual designs and layered storytelling, Kojima’s still a human being, one who knows that even the most influential legacies can fade if not protected. Despite the uncertainty, he’s made one thing crystal clear: he doesn’t plan on stopping. > “I want to continue ‘creating things’ for the rest of my life.” Whether that’s ten more years or twenty, it’s safe to say Kojima will spend them trying to surprise, confuse, and inspire us. And when he’s no longer around…. well, there’s a USB stick waiting to do the job. Via: GamesRadar+

**David Harbour** has kept busy over the past several years in the _Stranger Things_ and Marvel franchises, both demanding jobs for an actor who has to remain in certain shape, and commit to playing the same guy for many years. As _Stranger Things_ production has come to an end this year, Harbour sat down to talk about moving on from the beloved show with _Black Widow_ co-star and Marvel alum **Scarlett Johansson**. In a chat via Interview Magazine, Johansson asked Harbour if he felt relieved to have completed the show. He responded: > “When I started I loved it so much. Buddies of mine who’d done TV shows for many years said, ‘By season three or four you’ll be running.’ And I was like, ‘Never! I love all these guys so much.’ And then you get to a certain point where you’re like, ‘How much more story is there?’ > > “You’re having to play a lot of the same beat, and there’s a feeling where you’re like, ‘I want to take a risk. I want to do something that people haven’t seen me do before.’ So yeah, after 10 years, it’s like, ‘Okay.’” Johansson commented on the feeling of working on the same role for six months at a time, and feeling a little cagey when you can’t get a haircut or paint your nails or change anything about your appearance, and Harbour agreed, saying: > “It’s the same thing with this show. There’d be certain seasons where you feel like, ‘I’m going to go in this different direction.’ But as you say, a piece of your psyche is occupied with this group of people and this storyline. I don’t paint my nails, but I get that idea of ‘I can’t get a haircut’ or ‘I can’t shave this freaking mustache.’ [Laughs]” With _Stranger Things_ wrapped and in the rear view, Harbour is free to move about some new projects, while still fulfilling his obligations to Marvel. _Stranger Things_ season 5 is set to run this fall, with the first four episodes on November 26, the next three on December 25, and the final episode on December 31.

After nearly four decades of rumors, jokes, and fan-fueled wishful thinking, **_Spaceballs 2_** is actually happening, and **Mel Brooks** is officially back as Yogurt. Brooks, now 99 years old, is suiting up once again as the golden-robed master of the Schwartz in Amazon MGM Studios’ sequel to the 1987 cult classic _Spaceballs_. The teaser trailer dropped with Brooks himself front and center, confirming what many believed would never happen: “The Search for More Money” is no longer just a punchline. Brooks won’t be writing or directing this time around, but he will be acting, bringing his signature energy and sharp comedic timing back to the franchise. The film is slated for a theatrical release in 2027, marking the 40-year anniversary of the original. **Josh Greenbaum** (_Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar)_ is directing the sequel, working from a script by **Benji Samit** , **Dan Hernandez** , and **Josh Gad**. Gad is also expected to star in the film, though his role hasn’t been confirmed just yet. For longtime fans, this sequel has been a long-running gag. The original _Spaceballs_ literally joked about a follow-up with _Spaceballs 2: The Search for More Money_ , as part of its satirical take of _Star Wars_. At the time, a sequel felt impossible, mostly because _Star Wars_ itself was considered a finished franchise. But, then came the Special Editions, then the Prequels, then the Disney takeover. Now we’ve got sequels, spinoffs, and Jedi content for days. So naturally, the Schwartz had to awaken. And speaking of that, the teaser name-drops “The Schwartz Awakens,” making it pretty clear the sequel trilogy is in the parody crosshairs this time. According to Amazon, the movie is being described as: > “A Non-Prequel Non-Reboot Sequel Part Two but with Reboot Elements Franchise Expansion Film.” While there’s no official word on whether original cast members like **Bill Pullman** (Lone Star) or **Rick Moranis** (Dark Helmet) will return, fans can probably expect a handoff to a new cast of characters discovering the power of the Schwartz. But at least we know Yogurt will be there to guide them… probably with more merch. With Mel Brooks back, the Schwartz stronger than ever, and an actual sequel on the way, _Spaceballs 2_ isn’t just a meta-joke anymore. > I told you we’d be back pic.twitter.com/RnoklPqBX6 > > — Mel Brooks (@MelBrooks) June 12, 2025

Paramount+ just gave **_Star Trek: Strange New Worlds_** a bittersweet gift with a renewal for a fifth season… which will also be its last. Ahead of the show’s much-anticipated Season 3 premiere, the streamer officially confirmed that _Strange New Worlds_ will conclude with a six-episode fifth season. Production on that final voyage is slated to begin later this year. There are still three full seasons left to watch, including Season 3, which kicks off with a two-episode drop on Thursday, July 17, followed by weekly episodes through September 11. Season 4 is currently in production, so there’s still plenty of star-hopping and Gorn-dodging ahead. The showrunners are treating the five-season arc like a complete mission and there will be no loose ends, no half-measures. In a joint statement, executive producers **Akiva Goldsman** , **Henry Alonso Myers** , and **Alex Kurtzman** said: > “From the very beginning, Strange New Worlds set out to honor what Star Trek has always stood for — boundless curiosity, hope and the belief that a better future is possible. > > “We’re deeply grateful to Paramount+ for the chance to complete our five-season mission, just as we envisioned it, alongside our extraordinary cast and crew. > > “And to the passionate fans who’ve boldly joined us on this journey — THANK YOU. With three more spectacular seasons ahead for you to see and enjoy, this adventure is far from over.” That “five-season mission” line is a tip of the hat to the original five-year mission of _The Original Series_. I’m sad that this series will be ending because it’s such a damn good show! At least we’ve got three more season before it happens, and it will get a proper conclusion. _Strange New Worlds_ has been a hit with fans during its run, earning a Critics Choice nomination for Best Drama Series in 2023 and snagging a Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Television Series in 2022. It’s also praised for its episodic storytelling and character-driven tone that feels like a modern extension of classic Trek. The upcoming third season will once again feature **Anson Mount** as Captain Pike, **Rebecca Romijn** as Number One, **Ethan Peck** as Spock, and the rest of the stellar ensemble including **Jess Bush** , **Christina Chong** , **Celia Rose Gooding** , **Melissa Navia** , **Babs Olusanmokun** , and **Martin Quinn** , with **Carol Kane** and **Paul Wesley** guest-starring. This news follows another final-season announcement for _Star Trek: Lower Decks_ , which also wrapped with its fifth season. So while the end is now on the map, there’s still plenty of warp drive left before _Strange New Worlds_ fades into the stars. Source: Deadline

In **James Gunn**’s upcoming **_Superman_** film, truth, justice, and the American way come wrapped in red crape, trunks, and a interesting new direction with the story as everyone knows Superman’s not from Earth. Gone is the secret identity tension that’s long defined Clark Kent. In Gunn’s DC Universe, the public already knows Superman is an alien, and they’re understandably a little freaked out by him. Gunn puts it bluntly: > “He shoots beams out of his eyes, he can blow things down with his breath, he's sort of this terrifying creature.” And that’s where the red trunks come in. Yes, the much-debated briefs are back, but not just for nostalgia’s sake. **David Corenswet**, who’s stepping into the heroic role this time around, explained to Fandango that the costume, goofy red underwear and all, is part of a larger strategy to put humanity at ease. Corenswet shared some insight on that, saying: > “My thing was, maybe they're supposed to look a little silly. Maybe the reason he wears them is to look a little silly. Basically to undermine how powerful he really is.” Gunn, who reportedly went back and forth on whether to keep the classic comic book look (even consulting **Zack Snyder** for perspective), was ultimately convinced by Corenswet’s take. Gunn added: > “David saying that was like… But he really likes kids, and human beings, and people. He wants kids not to be afraid of him. And so that was the thing that made me decide to keep the trunks.” This is a design choice that hints at how this Superman might be a little more vulnerable, more thoughtful, and more self-aware of the impact his presence has on Earth. The red trunks become a disarming gesture, a kind of alien humility. Sure, why not!? The latest trailer that was released shows Superman going full superpowered Kryptonian blasting heat vision, soaring into orbit, and casually lifting skyscrapers. There’s no doubt about the power level we’re dealing with, but Gunn’s version wants us to see the man before the myth… even if he is a “terrifying creature.”

This week at Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Netflix showed up to present fans with a first look at the animated spinoff series, **_Stranger Things: Tales From ‘85_** , described as a family spectacle blending nostalgia with supernatural intrigue. Netflix’s official logline for the series reads: “Welcome back to Hawkins in the stark winter of 1985, where the original characters must fight new monsters and unravel a paranormal mystery terrorizing their town in Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, an epic new animated series.” With animation headed by Australian outfit Flying Bark, the show is being executive produced by _Stranger Things_ creators Matt and Ross Duffer via their Upside Down Pictures, along with Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen via 21 Laps, Eric Robles, – who is showrunning the series – via Flying Bark Productions and Hilary Leavitt from Upside Down Pictures. It is early days, and no images have even been released, but Robles talked a packed Annecy crowd through some of the animatics, character design, scary creatures – including some terrifying upside down pumpkin zombies and a snow shark. Robles revealed many of the projects that have inspired _Tales From ’85_ but it is one above all that became his “north star.” “It all went back to _The Real Ghostbusters_ ,” he said. “It was silly but had a handful of dark, creepy episodes and we just kept talking about that. That became the north star for us.” Other inspirations cited by Robles, who drew on projects old and new for his show about “friendships, horror-filled story and mystery,” included _Transformers, ET_ and _Goosebumps_. “The vision is kids riding bikes, using walkie-talkies,” he added. Making an animated show replete with danger was a new experience for Robles. “There’s danger and not everyone might survive,” he added. “The danger is real and that had an impact on the design.” _Stranger  Things: Tales From ’85_ comes out next year. via: Deadline

For years, **_Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker_** fans have debated what could’ve made that climactic final battle hit harder. Now, thanks to the final issue of Marvel Comics’ adaptation of the film, we finally get to see a powerful scene that was cut from the film… Rey standing side by side with an army of Jedi Force Ghosts. The moment in the movie where Rey declares herself “all the Jedi”? It hits differently when you can actually see those Jedi with her. Back in 2019, the film ended with Rey facing off against Emperor Palpatine, bolstered only by the voices of Jedi from the past including Yoda, Obi-Wan, Mace Windu, Ahsoka Tano, and more. And while hearing those familiar voices gave longtime fans a chill, the comic takes it one step further. Writer **Jody Houser** and artist **Will Sliney** go all in, putting those Jedi right there with Rey, fully visible as a Force Ghost army. The scene delivers a visual representation of generations of Jedi standing behind the young Jedi warrior. This is a moment Lucasfilm once considered including in the film, but for a variety of reasons, it never made it to screen. Interestingly, its omission may have benefitted other Star Wars stories down the road. Seeing Qui-Gon Jinn (**Liam Neeson**) return in _Obi-Wan Kenobi_ , or Anakin Skywalker (_Hayden Christensen_) appear as a Force Ghost in _Ahsoka_ , likely wouldn’t have had the same weight if they'd already popped up alongside Rey. **Chris Terrio** , who co-wrote the film with **J.J. Abrams** , once touched on this exact subject. Regarding the film’s ending, he said: > “We absolutely discussed who would be there at the end. It’s not as though those Force ghosts will never appear to Rey now that she really is the first of the new Jedi. > > “I think she has all of those Jedi behind her. J.J. was pretty clear about the idea that he didn’t want to take away from the moment of Leia finally appearing as a Force ghost and the twins finally being together.” In regard to that final scene on Tatooine, he added: > “This might be in the novelization, but we talked a lot about how Leia lost her home. Alderaan is gone. So, she could never take Luke to see where she grew up as a princess, but Luke could’ve taken Leia to see where he grew up as a farmer. > > “But, the twins never got to Tatooine together (to visit Luke’s childhood farm). So, the idea of seeing the twins together after the sabers are laid to rest felt like it was something that was very moving to me and J.J.” That emotional thread certainly had merit. But from a fan perspective, seeing Rey, flanked by the spirits of Obi-Wan, Aayla Secura, Kanan Jarrus, Mace Windu, Yoda, and more, standing against Palpatine, is the kind of _Star Wars_ moment fans live for. So while _The Rise of Skywalker_ might never get a "special edition" to bring this to screen, the comic book fills in the gap. At least we get to see it visually brought to life in comic book art form. “THE LAST HOPE OF THE RESISTANCE! REY races to confront PALPATINE, but can she stop him before the FINAL ORDER devastates the galaxy? Hope comes from unexpected places as the RESISTANCE makes its last stand!” [ View fullsize ](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51b3dc8ee4b051b96ceb10de/1749687816135-PPS64HTU5LDQ54P3Q3IP/Screenshot+2025-06-11+at+5.13.39%E2%80%AFPM.jpg)

**James Gunn**’s **_Superman_** may borrow a page from **Richard Donner’s** 1978 classic, but it’s giving us a new dynamic, especially when it comes to the heart of the story… Lois and Clark. In the original **_Superman: The Movie_**, **Christopher Reeve** ’s Superman and **Margot Kidder** ’s Lois Lane share an iconic rooftop interview where the reporter quizzes the caped hero about his height, hometown, and mission, “To fight for truth and justice and the American way”, all without realizing her awkward colleague Clark Kent is the man floating just above her window. That whole “doesn’t-know-he’s-Superman” dynamic was tossed out the window in Gunn’s film. His version introduces us to a very different Lois and Clark, one where the cape is optional, and the truth is already out. This time around, Clark (**David Corenswet**) sits down for an interview with Lois (**Rachel Brosnahan**) as Superman, yes, but she already knows exactly who she’s talking to. They're not hiding secrets. They’re in the thick of it. Corenswet told Entertainment Weekly: > “This isn’t like the interview in the Donner movie where Lois doesn’t know that he’s Clark. Lois knows everything about him, so he’s in a very vulnerable position. He’s madly in love with this woman and desperately wants her to understand him and appreciate him and love him back.” That vulnerability flips the dynamic on its head. It’s not about the thrill of discovery anymore, it’s about emotional honesty, and in this story, the relationship is already in motion when we meet them. They've been together for about three months. Brosnahan explained: > “Which is the point in a relationship where you’re like, Was this a really great fling or is this more serious, possibly forever? It’s one of the things that I love about their love story. While they have totally opposite worldviews, they complete each other, and they kind of need each other.” Gunn and the cast seem to be embracing the roots of the Donner classic while making room for something more emotionally evolved. Brosnahan called out Gunn’s attention to showing Lois in action, both on the ground and, literally, in the sky piloting Mister Terrific’s T-Sphere alongside Perry White (**Wendell Pierce**) and Jimmy Olsen (**Skyler Gisondo**). Brosnahan said: > “I think, in that moment, she sees an opportunity for a front-page story. I really appreciated that James makes space for you to see her in action at the height of her journalistic prowess.” The new _Superman_ is clearly embracing its comic book world unapologetically. By the time the movie starts, _Superman_ is already an active player in a larger superhero ecosystem, fighting in international conflicts like Boravia vs. Jarhanpur, and swapping headlines with supervillains like Metallo, who Lois and Clark were covering when they met. As far as the casting for the film goes, actors like **Tom Brittney** and **Nicholas Hoult** were considered for Superman before Hoult ultimately landed Lex Luthor. **Phoebe Dynevor** and **Emma Mackey** tested for Lois. But in the end, it was all about that elusive chemistry. Gunn said: > “We mixed and matched these different actors and actresses to find out not only who was the best Clark and who was the best Lois, but who was the best ‘Clois,’ who was the best together. I do think that David was the best Clark, Rachel was the best Lois, but they also had the most chemistry together.” While Gunn’s take feels modern, the roots still run deep. The **John Williams** -style score. The bright optimism. Even Brosnahan’s personal connection brings it full circle. She added: > “My dad was a huge Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Superman fan, and I feel like he showed me that movie when I was about 12. So that was the definitive Superman for me, even though it was long before my time.” This Superman may not be hiding behind glasses anymore, but he’s still wearing his heart on his sleeve.

It looks like **Robert Eggers** isn’t ready to leave the haunting chill of Christmas behind just yet. After **_Nosferatu_** carved out a spooky, snow-dusted corner of the holiday box office, Eggers is reportedly diving back into the winter shadows, this time, with **Charles Dickens** ’ **_A Christmas Carol_**. According to Deadline, Eggers is officially set to write and direct a new adaptation of the classic ghost story for Warner Bros., and he’s crafting the role of Ebenezer Scrooge with one actor in mind… **Willem Dafoe**. While no deals are currently in motion, insiders say Dafoe is Eggers’ top choice to play the iconic miser. Given their creative history, it’s not hard to see why. Dafoe has been a regular fixture in Eggers’ cinematic world, appearing in _The Lighthouse_ , _The Northman_ , and most recently, _Nosferatu_. At this point, casting him as a grim, tormented old soul visited by Christmas ghosts feels like a great opportunity, and Defoe would be awesome in the role! _A Christmas Carol_ isn’t exactly uncharted territory, it’s been adapted countless times across film, stage, and television. But Eggers’ fascination with historical detail, mood-soaked cinematography, and the supernatural makes this particular version worth paying attention to. A spectral tale of regret, redemption, and the macabre. Eggers will also produce the film alongside **Chris Columbus** and **Eleanor Columbus** under the Maiden Voyage banner, continuing a trend of filmmakers bringing their own trusted collaborators along for the ride. It doesn’t hurt that his last outing, _Nosferatu_ , was both a critical and financial success. The gothic vampire film earned $181 million globally (including $95 million domestically) and scored four Oscar nominations in technical categories like Cinematography, Production Design, Costume Design, and Makeup and Hairstyling. Eggers is already gearing up to shoot _Werwulf_ for Focus Features later this year. But between werewolves, vampires, and now Dickensian spirits, Eggers has carved out a unique niche as cinema’s reigning lord of the old-world supernatural, and I love it! Source: Deadline

Actress and director **Bryce Dallas Howard** has found success both in front of and behind the camera in many films and series over the years, but just like any other actor, she has been a part of plenty of box office flops. But she takes each disappointment in stride, as she talked about some of her career misfires in a recent interview with The Independent, saying: > "You can always see it coming while you're making it. I've never been shocked when something doesn't work. But I'm just an actor – you're there to serve a director's vision. > > “If a movie doesn’t turn out the way that you envisioned, you can barely feel disappointed because it's not yours. You're not the person who's building the thing." Some of the films that didn’t do well with the box office or fans are movies like _Lady in the Water_ and _Argylle_ , both of which I actually really enjoyed. Every movie has some kind of audience and impact, and sometimes they work on a larger scale, and sometimes they don’t. It’s probably best for creators to be able to brush off their slumps and press forward, and Howard has done a good job on that front. Howard can next be seen in _Deep Cover_ , which co-stars **Orlando Bloom, Nick Mohammed, Ian McShane, Paddy Considine, Sean Bean** , and **Sonoya Mizuno**. It follows three improv comedians who get recruited into sting operations. She will also get back behind the camera in a remake of the classic ‘80s movie _Flight of the Navigator_ , which is currently in pre-production.

DC Studios’ **_Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow_** is already deep into production, and with several actors having wrapped, it’s safe to say we’re getting closer to seeing what kind of wild, cosmic ride through the DC Universe it will deliver. Now, according to a new report, the movie may debut an obscure but dangerous group of all-female space pirates known as the Sklarian Raiders. According to Nexus Point News, _The Brothers Sun_ and _Sex Education_ star **Alice Hewkin** has joined the cast in a supporting role, reportedly playing one of these Sklarians. If you’re unfamiliar, these aren’t your average space scoundrels. The Sklarian Raiders made their first appearance back in the late ’70s in _Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes_ , and while they’re known as ruthless thieves, they’ve also been portrayed as having their own code of ethics. The Sklarians don’t appear in **Tom King’s** _Woman of Tomorrow_ comic, so if they are being included in the movie, it raises a few questions. Are they being woven into the narrative to expand the intergalactic world Kara is traveling through? Are they part of a subplot involving another cosmic antihero? Maybe they are connected to **Jason Momoa** ’s Lobo, either working alongside the character, or gunning for him. The film has a great cast that includes **Eve Ridley** (_3 Body Problem_), who is playing Ruthye Mary Knolle, the determined young girl who joins Supergirl on her bloody quest across the stars. **Matthias Schoenaerts** (_The Old Guard_) is set to portray Krem of the Yellow Hills, a villain in the story. Krypto the Superdog will reportedly be along for the ride too. Recently, **David Krumholtz** and **Emily Beecham** were announced as Zor-El and Alura, Kara’s Kryptonian parents. _Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow_ aims to redefine Kara Zor-El for a new generation. The version of Supergirl we’ll see here is,“much more hardcore.” James Gunn explained. “In our series we see the difference between Superman who was sent to Earth and raised by loving parents from the time he was an infant, versus Supergirl who was raised on a rock, a chip off Krypton, and watched everyone around her die and be killed in terrible ways for the first 14 years of her life, and then came to Earth when she was a young girl. She’s much more hardcore, she’s not exactly the Supergirl we’re used to seeing.” According to the official synopsis, the film follows Kara as she "travels across the galaxy to celebrate her 21st birthday with Krypto the Superdog. Along the way, she meets a young woman named Ruthye and winds up on a murderous quest for revenge." The movie is set to be released on June 26, 2026.

**Tina Romero** is stepping behind the camera for her directorial debut, and she’s not shying away from the family legacy. Her first feature, **_Queens of the Dead_**, is set to premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 7, and yes, it’s a zombie movie. But, this one’s marching to the beat of a queer warehouse drag show, not the slow shuffle of mall-wandering corpses. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, referencing her late father, **George A. Romero** , she said: > “I am his kid. There’s no denying it. And he has influenced me greatly. And this is his monster, this is his genre. I had fun doing my little Romero nods throughout the film, and we have some good ones.” She’s stepping into the sandbox her father built, while adding a few glitter bombs of her own. She also named dropped horror icons like **Tom Savini** and _Dawn of the Dead_ ’s **Gaylen Ross** who pop up in the film. _Queens of the Dead_ is a love letter to horror, to queer culture, and to the rebellious spirit of independent filmmaking. Set over the course of one chaotic night in the queer party scene, the story unfolds at a drag show just as the zombie apocalypse kicks off. Romero, who’s spent time DJing in these exact kinds of spaces, found inspiration in an online feud among party promoters. > “The original promoter posted this manifesto begging the question, ‘When will the queer community stop devouring its own?’ And it hit me like a bolt of lightning. I was like, ‘Oh my God! This would be how I want to explore the zombie genre in this world of queer nightlife.’” Romero is leaning into this concept without losing her sense of humor, or her sharpness. She went on to explain: > “The zombie apocalypse is such a rich sandbox to play in when it comes to social commentary. I can’t be my dad’s daughter without making an attempt at saying something with zombies. > > “I did want this to be a film in which I am paying homage to the world and the monster he created, but I’m also introducing my own voice. It’s very much not a film he would make, but it is using his vocabulary and is playing by his rules.” It’s also a film that unapologetically centers queer voices in horror, which something Tina felt was long overdue. > “As far as the queer element, on one hand, I just feel like the gays need a zombie film. It’s time that we get to have a big gay zombie movie.” There’s also a fun little footnote in the production credits: a special thanks to **Tom Cruise**. **Katy O'Brien** , who is best known for villain duty in _The Mandalorian_ , stars as the drag show’s no-nonsense promoter, and Cruise reportedly allowed her to carve out time from shooting _Mission: Impossible_ to film _Queens of the Dead_. While George Romero never got to read the finished script, he encouraged Tina to chase the idea when she first pitched it. > “He said, ‘I love it! Run with it. Go for it.’ Unfortunately, he never got to read the completed script because it took me about seven years to get this developed… but I did have this blessing.” Tina Romero isn’t trying to replicate her father’s work, she’s remixing it for a new generation. With drag queens, zombie carnage, and a whole lot of heart.

Here’s the trailer for the intense-looking World War I action thriller titled **_The Last Front_**. The film is set in a tiny Belgian village during the tumultuous start of World War I. The story centers on the Lambert family, who “finds themselves thrust into the heart of the conflict in The Last Front. At the center is Leonard Lambert, a devoted husband and father who grapples with protecting his family amidst the chaos of war as German forces advance to their village. “Amidst the war, a tender love story blossoms between Adrien Lambert, Leonard's son, and Louise Janssen, a local villager. Their relationship serves as a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. _The Last Front_ will immerse audiences in a gripping tale of survival, love, and the enduring impact of war on both individuals and communities. The movie stars **Iain Glen** , **Sasha Luss** , **Joe Anderson** , **James Downie** , **Emma Dupont** , **David Calder** , and **Julian Kostov**. _The Last Front_ is directed by **Julien Hayet-Kerknawi** , and it looks like it could be a great film worth checking out. _The Last Front_ will be released on VOD on June 27th, 2025.

Here’s a collection of new posters for **James Gunn**’s **_Superman_** from the premium format screens that will screen the movie when it hits theaters next month. Only a few of them make use of some new imagery. _Superman_ will only play on IMAX screens for two weeks before _The Fantastic Four: First Steps_ replaces it, so catch it while you can! Early screenings for _Superman_ begin on July 8, but filmmaker James Gunn isn't worried about spoilers. Responded to a fan on Threads, he said: > "A) Hearing a spoiler won’t kill the movie. The enjoyment of the film isn’t based solely on its surprises. B) But if it does concern you please be careful of where you go online during those few days!" _Superman_ is “set in a world very different from ours and far removed from the DCEU. Heroes have been around for ages, and we'll see how it affected this world's history and has shaped the DCU." The cast of _Superman_ also includes **David Corenswet** as Superman, **Nicholas Hoult** as Lex, and **Rachel Brosnahan****** as Lois, **Skyler Gisondo** as Clark’s best pal, Jimmy Olsen; **Wendell Pierce** as The Daily Planet’s Perry White; **Milly Alcock** as Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl; **Isabela Merced** as Kendra Saunders, aka Hawkgirl; and **Nathan Fillion** as Guy Gardner. It also stars **Sean Gunn** as Maxwell Lord; **Edi Gathegi** as Michael Holt, aka Mister Terrific; **Maria Gabriela de Faria** as Angela Spica, aka The Engineer; **Sara Sampan** as Eve Teschmacher; **Anthony Carrigan** as Rex Mason, aka Metamorphosis; **Frank Grillo** as Rick Flag Sr.; **Neva Howell** as Martha Kent; and **Pruitt Taylor Vince** as Jonathan Kent. The movie was directed by **James Gunn** and is scheduled for a theatrical release on July 11, 2025. [ View fullsize ](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51b3dc8ee4b051b96ceb10de/1749663303556-OXVZ42R76RJC04TJPW13/Screenshot+2025-06-11+at+10.33.24%E2%80%AFAM.jpg) [ View fullsize ](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51b3dc8ee4b051b96ceb10de/1749663307243-H6PHXXZUUT6KICMN7RPI/Screenshot+2025-06-11+at+10.33.47%E2%80%AFAM.jpg) [ View fullsize ](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51b3dc8ee4b051b96ceb10de/1749663309061-MW4MGAYLK8XCIAKBNDYN/Screenshot+2025-06-11+at+10.33.13%E2%80%AFAM.jpg) [ View fullsize ](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51b3dc8ee4b051b96ceb10de/1749663308788-P237DL9LS79VUY9Y31W0/Screenshot+2025-06-11+at+10.33.58%E2%80%AFAM.jpg) [ View fullsize ](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/51b3dc8ee4b051b96ceb10de/1749663305320-WVSJVKMJHOS1RP7ZLBOQ/Screenshot+2025-06-11+at+10.33.36%E2%80%AFAM.jpg)

Peacock has released a new sneak peek clip for **Anthony Mackie**’s **_Twisted Metal_** Season 2, and it puts you in the middle of a high-octane deadly demolition derby! This is what the video game franchise was all about! A bunch of eavily armed and uniquely customized vehicles battle for ultimate supremacy. The vehicular mayhem features Mackie as John Doe alongside his long-lost sister, the vigilante Dollface (**Tiana Okoye**) right in the middle of the madness. The series is based on the classic video game that my brothers and I loved playing on PlayStation. The first season of the series offered some fun entertainment and it looks like Season 2 is going to deliver more action-packed insanity. The synopsis reads: “Following the revelations in the season one finale, John and Quiet find themselves entering the deadly TWISTED METAL tournament, a sinister demolition derby hosted by a mysterious man known as Calypso. “As they try to survive an onslaught of dangerous new foes and familiar faces alike, including the murderous clown Sweet Tooth, things get complicated for John when he reunites with his long-lost sister, the vigilante Dollface.” The series comes from showrunner **Michael Jonathan Smith** (_Cobra Kai_) and executive producers **Rhett Reese** and **Paul Wernick** (_Deadpool_), and Smith shared in s a statement: “The stakes couldn’t be higher as John Doe (Anthony Mackie) and Quiet (Stephanie Beatriz) risk their lives to compete in a dangerous demolition derby tournament. The prize? A single wish, their greatest hearts desire, granted. “The only problem is sixteen other drivers have wishes of their own. Anthony Mackie and Stephanie Beatriz lead a stellar cast, including Will Arnett & Joe Seanoa (aka Samoa Joe) as fan favorite Sweet Tooth, and Anthony Carrigan as the iconic tournament host Calypso, in a fast-paced, hysterical, thrilling season with unforgettable characters. It’s too bad not all of them will survive.” The series also stars **Will Arnett**,_Brooklyn Nine-Nine_ alum **Stephanie Beatriz** , **Joe Seanoa** (_AEW_), and **Thomas Haden Church** (_Spider-Man 3_). Enjoy the trailer! The second season of the action-comedy series will debut on July 31st.

Marvel Studios is bringing back the Iron Fist character, but before you start thinking this could be a “Finn Jones Redemption Arc”, the Iron Fist showing up in the **_Eyes of Wakanda_** anmated series isn’t that version of the character. During a panel at the Annecy Animation Festival, director **Todd Harris** dropped the news while talking about his upcoming animated series. When asked about guest appearances, Harris casually revealed: > “There will be an Iron Fist in here, and not the Iron Fist you expect.” So what does that mean? Are we getting an alternate timeline version? A legacy Iron Fist? A new character entirely who picks up the mantle? It’s all speculation for now, but Harris made it clear that _Eyes of Wakanda_ isn’t about rehashing what we’ve already seen: > “It was never my goal to make ‘another one,’ my goal was to make something new.” The series is set to premiere August 6, 2025 on Disney+, and it’s shaping up to be something fresh. The show will consist of four 30-minute episodes, each a standalone story set in different time periods. In the series, Wakandan agents venture out into the wider world to retrieve powerful artifacts stolen from their homeland. Harris described the series as “mostly a spy story,” one that explores how Wakandan operatives interact with the world while trying to reconcile what they experience with their “nationalist agenda.” According to Variety, the first episode screened at Annecy was well-received, with early reactions pointing to a strong sense of cultural authenticity, something that’s often promised, rarely delivered, and hugely appreciated when it lands right. As for Iron Fist’s broader MCU future, fans are still holding out hope. With _Daredevil: Born Again_ now confirmed to bring back **Krysten Ritter** ’s Jessica Jones in Season 2, it’s only natural to wonder if **Finn Jones** might get another shot too. The actor has made it clear he’s more than ready for a comeback. He previously said: > “I’m very aware of the critiques of the character and my role in it. My response to that is, ‘Give me a f*cking chance, man. I’m here and I’m ready, and I wanna prove people wrong.’” Personally, I think he had his chance and it just didn’t work. The question is, will _Eyes of Wakanda_ pave the way for a new Iron Fist in the MCU’s multiversal toybox? Or will it be a one-time cameo with a fresh take? Either way, it sounds like Marvel fans should prepare for surprises.

It sounds like **_Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse_** is adding another twist to the multiversal madness. **Shameik Moore**, the voice of Miles Morales, recently let slip that we’ll be meeting yet another version of Miles when the final chapter of the Spider-Verse trilogy hits theaters. That’s right, three Miles Morales variants are now in play. During a red carpet interview, Moore casually dropped: > “There’s three versions of me in the next movie.” Now, before you get too tangled in speculation, here’s what we know… **Jharrel Jerome** already voices Miles G. Morales, the Prowler of Earth-42, not Moore. So it’s safe to assume this third variant will be someone completely new, and potentially voiced by someone else. Could it be **Nadji Jeter** , the voice behind Miles in the Spider-Man video games from Insomniac? After all, Yuri Lowenthal’s Peter Parker from those games popped up in _Across the Spider-Verse_ , so it’s totally in the realm of possibility. But we don’t know for sure what the creative team has planned. This little reveal might be the biggest detail we’ve heard in a while. News around _Beyond the Spider-Verse_ has been scarce since delays pushed the film back to June 4, 2027, which is four years after the emotional cliffhanger in _Across the Spider-Verse_. That delay, by the way, came after the cast admitted they hadn’t yet seen a script or recorded lines during promo for the second film. The creative team is clearly taking their time for a reason. Producer **Phil Lord** said at CinemaCon: > “We know how important this franchise is to so many people around us. We just could not run it back. So, we decided we needed to take the time to make sure we got it just right.” He also teased what’s to come: > “It’s going to be a massive finale to the trilogy. We are prepping this movie especially for your large-format screens. It looks insane.” When _Beyond the Spider-Verse_ begins, Miles is on the run from just about every Spider-Person across the multiverse. Lord added: > “Gwen and his other friends may or may not be enough to help him save the family that’s been the leading part of the entire system.” So, we’ve got Miles. We’ve got Miles G. Morales. And now a mystery third Miles. If there’s one thing this trilogy has taught us, it’s to expect the unexpected. June 2027 can't come soon enough.

**Patrick Schwarzenegger** (_The Staircase_ , _The White Lotus_) has signed on to star alongside **Margaret Qualley** (_Once Upon a Time in Hollywood_ , _Maid_) in **_Love Of Your Life_** __ for Amazon MGM Studios. **Rachel Morrison**  (_The Morning Show_ , _The Mandalorian_) is directing. **Julia Cox** (_Parenthood_ , _Nyad_) wrote the script, and Ryan Gosling and Jessie Henderson are producing through their Open Invite Entertainment banner. Plot details are under wraps, but the project was the subject of a major script sale in October after an intense bidding war, which Gosling and Henderson won for Amazon MGM Studios. Schwarzenegger is coming off the best reviews of his career after his turn in _The_ _White Lotus_ , and will undoubtedly line up a few new high profile projects. Stay tuned for updates on the film. via: Deadline

Laika’s adaptation of **Susanna Clarke’s** mind-bending fantasy novel **_Piranesi_** just took a major step forward with the hiring of acclaimed screenwriter **Dave Kajganich** to handle the script. Kajganich, known for his work on _Suspiria_ , _Bones and All_ , and AMC’s _The Terror_ , is currently collaborating with some of the most respected directors in the industry, including **Barry Jenkins** , **Ridley Scott** , and **Edward Berger**. Now, he’ll bring his talents and skills to Laika’s ambitious stop-motion take on Clarke’s beloved novel. “Piranesi changed my soul and is one of the books in all the world, of any era, I most cherish,” Kajganich said in a statement. “Having Travis’ and Susanna’s trust in adapting it is something I take as an honor of the highest order. They are two of the loveliest, smartest, and most humane people you can imagine, so all of this is an actual dream coming true for me.” First announced in June 2024, _Piranesi_ will be directed by Laika President & CEO **Travis Knight**, who previously helmed the Oscar-nominated _Kubo and the Two Strings_ and the upcoming _Wildwood_. The project marks a return to the studio’s roots in stop-motion storytelling, even as they continue branching out into live-action. The story for _Piranesi_ is set in a dreamlike alternative reality, and it follows Piranesi, “whose house is no ordinary building: its rooms are infinite, its corridors endless, its walls are lined with thousands upon thousands of statues, each one different from all the others. “Within the labyrinth of halls, an ocean is imprisoned; waves thunder up staircases, rooms are flooded in an instant. But Piranesi is not afraid; he understands the tides as he understands the pattern of the labyrinth itself. He lives to explore the house.” There is one other person in the house, “a man called The Other, who visits Piranesi twice a week and asks for help with research into A Great and Secret Knowledge. “But as Piranesi explores, evidence emerges of another person, and a terrible truth begins to unravel, revealing a world beyond the one Piranesi has always known.” Since its release, Clarke’s novel has become a literary phenomenon, selling over four million copies and winning the 2021 Women’s Prize for Fiction. Its meditative tone, philosophical depth, and strange beauty seem tailor-made for Laika’s visual storytelling. Knight previously shared in a statement: “ _Piranesi_ is a treasure, and very dear to me. As a filmmaker, I can scarcely imagine a more joyful experience than wandering through the worlds Susanna dreamed into being. “She’s one of my all-time favorite authors, and with _Piranesi_ , Susanna has created a beautiful, devastating and ultimately life-affirming work of art. I’m humbled that she chose LAIKA as her home.” Kajganich is also working on **Brad Pitt** ’s _The Riders_ , he’s also scripting _Be My Baby_ , a Ronnie Spector biopic for A24, with **Zendaya** set to star and **Barry Jenkins** directing. While Laika continues to push further into live-action—with projects like _Atmosphere_ from **Anna Boden** and **Ryan Fleck** , and _Crumble_ from **Brian Duffield** and producers **Phil Lord** and **Chris Miller** , the studio hasn’t lost sight of what made them a fan favorite in the first place: bold, stylized stop-motion animation that tell stories with emotional weight. Source: Deadline

**Andy Serkis** is officially headed back to Middle-earth as an actor and director, and he just gave a promising update on **_The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum_**. It’s exactly the kind of reassurance fans of the original trilogy have been hoping for. In a recent interview with Collider while promoting his upcoming adaptation of _Animal Farm_ , Serkis shared that while the film is still in its early stages, real movement is happening soon. Prep work is ramping up in the next few months, with filming set to begin in early to mid-2026. The release is slated for December 2027. Serkis talked about the film saying: > “We’re very early on in the process. We’ve been talking about the film over the course of the last year. We’re about to start a period of prep in the next few months or so. > > “We will be shooting in the early to mid-part of next year, I guess, and then it’ll be as long as it takes to shoot, which — it’s a sizable movie — all ready for a December 2027 release. > > “I’m incredibly excited to go back and work with my friends and family in New Zealand and actually do something which is, I think, going to be surprising, and yet very much part of the lore and the feel of the trilogy. > > “The sensibility of it will feel, I think, close to that, and yet we’re investigating in greater depth the character formerly known as Smeagol, but mostly known as Gollum.” Serkis is aiming for the same tone, scope, and heart of **Peter Jackson**’s _The Lord of the Rings_ trilogy. That should ease some anxiety from fans still smarting from the uneven Hobbit films or skeptical of more Tolkien spin-offs. Set during the events of _The Fellowship of the Ring_ , _The Hunt for Gollum_ follows Gandalf’s pursuit of Gollum after realizing Bilbo’s ring is actually the One Ring. It’s an interquel that fills in a crucial gap, and Serkis, who will also reprise his iconic role as Gollum, is the only confirmed cast member so far. But, **Ian McKellen** is also expected to return. _Lord of the Rings_ fans are pretty protective of the original trilogy’s legacy. Expanding on that world is always a high-wire act. But Serkis isn’t rushing in. He’s taking his time, planning carefully, and grounding the project in what made the originals so special. His deep connection to the material, and to Gollum in particular, makes him a uniquely qualified guide for this chapter. I hoipe that he pulls it off. If this movie delivers on what Serkis is promising, a character-focused journey with the emotional and mythic weight of the trilogy, it could be a powerful return to form.

Writer and director **Dean DeBlois** has taken his beloved animated film series _How to Train Your Dragon_ , and he has brought it to live-action. The first remake hits theaters this week, and DeBlois is already looking to the future of the franchise. When asked by ComicBook, at the film’s red carpet premiere, about the possibility of a live-action _How to Train Your Dragon 2_ , and if that could mean seeing **Cate Blanchett** return to the franchise as the character Valka, DeBlois said: "Well, I'm wishful as well. It's still early days. I think she is probably waiting for a script, but I've been knocking on that door. I wrote the character of Valka for her, so I told her it'll always be hers to turn down first." In the animated movies, the character Valka is revealed to be Hiccup's mother and Stoick's wife, who was taken by a dragon shortly after Hiccup was born and was thought to be dead. Two decades later, however, she accidentally crosses paths with her son and finally reunites with her husband. If she returns, Blanchett would be the second _How to Train Your Dragon_ actor making the shift from animation to live action, with **Gerard Butler** having returned to the franchise to play Stoick, Hiccup's father, after voicing the character for a few years. Talking about the yet-to-be-confirmed sequel, DeBois also shared some details about the future of Toothless, as we see the beloved dragon maturing on screen. "We knew we were going to go there. The idea is that Toothless is roughly Hiccup's age in dragon years, so he is a juvenile, an adolescent, as well, aging into adulthood. That is going to alter his design in subtle ways, but mostly it's going to alter his mentality because he's a very sentient dragon. He has his own opinions about everything, and he'll also start to come into his own as a leader of his kind." Would you like to see the live-action _How to Train Your Dragon_ universe expanded in sequels? The first film hits theaters this Friday.