The Nerdist

The Mandalorian and Grogu will soon head to the big screen in the aptly named The Mandalorian and Grogu. It’s not the only place that little green Star Wars icon is going, though. He can soon make his home at yours. Hasbro has announced Ultimate Grogu, a full-sized, deluxe, (and pricey) hyperrealistic animatronic toy.Hasbro

Disney Consumer Products and Hasbro have partnered on a little toy that can do some really big things. Hasbro calls its new Ultimate Grogu a “first-of-its-kind” animatronic of the beloved character. This 1:1 scale premium tyke has built-in motors and sensors. It can also make more than 250 animations and sounds. It also looks and feels like the real thing. The Ultimate Grogu toy features “premium materials” and “painstakingly crafted into screen-accurate details.” It also has “soft skin face and rooted hair, soft fabric robe, chainmail, cross strap, satchel, and beskar rondel armor.”

RELATED ARTICLE

This LEGO STAR WARS Grogu (Mandalorian Apprentice) Set Is The Way

While Hasbro says it’s for “collectors, fans, and cosplayers,” this Grogu animatronic is still very much a toy. It features three different play modes. Those include Explore Mode (“steps and response to movement and sound”), Grab & Go Mode (“best for costumes or conventions, so you can keep him close”), or Display Mode (“cycle through different poses”). The toy’s realistic actions include waving, giggling, “toddling” forward, moving ears, head, blinking eyes, a working mouth, and a Force arm movement.

What clearly makes this the “ultimate” Grogu toy, though, is that this green guy won’t throw up blue cookies. (Even though it comes with one.)

Hasbro

“Our goal with Ultimate Grogu was to make fans feel like he’s truly part of their world,” said Adam Biehl, Head of Disney Action Brands at Hasbro, in a press release. “Our design and development team spent hours studying how the character came to life in The Mandalorian series, striving to capture his personality and movements in a way that honors what Lucasfilm delivered in entertainment. Powered by our long-standing collaboration with Disney Consumer Products, we’re launching the most life-like, interactive, and expressive Grogu character Hasbro has ever created.”

Hasbro

You can already pre-order your Ultimate Grogu ($599.99) toy. Hasbro has two options for customers, both available at Hasbro Pulse, Amazon, and Fan Channel retailers. The limited-edition First Edition Ultimate Grog will ship at the end of 2026 in an exclusive packaging sleeve with a limited-edition collector card. The Standard Edition will ship in 2027, but without the exclusive packaging or limited-edition collector card.

RELATED ARTICLE

First MANDALORIAN & GROGU Clip Shows REBELS’ Zeb in Action

If you want those extras, you know what to do. And when you get your Ultimate Grogu, make sure you keep him safe. An animatronic toy this realistic is sure to have Imperials after him.

The post This Insanely Realistic Grogu Animatronic Toy Is Every Fan’s Dream appeared first on Nerdist.

Listen, you should always know your worth. And that’s something we can learn right from one of the icons of our time, Meryl Streep. In the lead-up to The Devil Wears Prada 2, a sequel movie which we found really had something important to say, Streep revealed that she actually turned down the role of Miranda Priestly in the original 2006 The Devil Wears Prada, so she could get paid what she thought she was worth. Streep explained that she knew The Devil Wears Prada needed her and that the movie would be a hit, but she didn’t feel too bothered about being in it, allowing her to make a power move. And that’s why Meryl Streep turned down The Devil Wears Prada, asked for double her pay, and got it all.20th Century Fox

That’s all, as they say. Here’s what Streep had to share about her initial rejection of The Devil Wears Prada in seach of a higher salary, ““I knew it was going to be a hit. I read the script — the script was great. They called me up, and they made an offer, and I said ‘No. I’m not going to do it.’” Streep said she foresaw the film’s success — and wanted to be paid accordingly. “I wanted to see if I doubled my ask, and they went right away and said ‘Sure.’” And she added, “I’m 56 years [old] — it took me this long to understand that I could do that! I was sure of it. I was sure it would be a hit. And they needed me, I felt. And I wanted it, but if they didn’t want to do that, I was okay. Because I’m old — I’m 56, I was ready to retire.”

Well, we don’t all have the privilege of turning down work because we think our salary may be doubled. But we’re glad Streep felt like she was paid her worth in the end. We wish we could say “getting paid your worth for your work, groundbreaking.” But it’s sadly pretty rare. Here’s hoping for more instances of such things.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 is now in theaters.

The post Meryl Streep Rejected DEVIL WEARS PRADA So They’d Double Her Pay appeared first on Nerdist.

Bringing JD and Turk back together for more hospital shenanigans was a great call by ABC. The popular sitcom Scrubs came back to TV screens in 2026 with a reboot series that blended OG characters with a new generation. It became a hit among fans who wanted that dose of nostalgia, and now the Scrubs reboot is officially renewed for another season. It will be the show’s eleventh season overall but technically season two for this new version.  Disney/Darko Sikman

It is not clear when the cast and crew will start filming this next round nor how many episodes there will be. The season one finale aired on April 15 and showed the return of the Janitor to Sacred Heart. He will surely be a thorn in JD’s side in the next season.

RELATED ARTICLE

Zach Braff and Donald Faison’s SCRUBS Podcast Has Arrived

The Scrubs reboot was not only a hit among fans but it also boasts a pretty high critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, too. Now, with a season two renewal secured, Scrubs is ready for more wacky and heartfelt action.

The post SCRUBS Reboot Renewed for a Second Season appeared first on Nerdist.

The Blair Witch Project changed the face of horror forever in 1999. Shot on a minuscule budget, it pioneered not only the found footage genre, but also the use of the internet as a marketing tool for film. It captured the mainstream zeitgeist in a way few horror films outside The Exorcist or The Silence of the Lambs had. Back in 2024, Variety reported that The Blair Witch Project franchise would return for a new reboot, courtesy of Blumhouse Productions and Lionsgate. Jason Blum will team with producer Roy Lee, who previously produced the 2016 Blair Witch reboot. Two years later, things are moving forward, as Variety reports that Dylan Clark will be its director.

He will also pen the film’s script. There aren’t plot details at this point, but original stars Joshua Leonard and Michael C. Williams are coming back once again.

Lionsgate

The original film changed the game, landing young directors Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez on the cover of TIME Magazine. Yet none of its sequels have ever been able to capture that lightning in a bottle again. A more traditional horror sequel came out just a year later in 2000, Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2. It failed to make much of a splash, and many thought of it as a cash grab. Sixteen years later, after the found footage genre became hot again, we got a new installment, with 2016’s Blair Witch. Critics liked it overall, but it found little love at the box office. There have also been games. Can Blumhouse turn things around for this franchise?

The Blair Witch Project was about three college students who went into the Maryland woods to film a documentary on a local legend. They disappeared, and the terrifying footage they left behind became the basis for the film. Audiences in 1999 absolutely believed the movie was an actual documentary, leaving movie theaters totally shaken. Filmed on a budget of $200,000, it made micro-budget horror a trend, one which Blumhouse later capitalized on with Paranormal Activity. So in many ways, this partnership makes perfect sense. Let’s see how long it takes to bring this reboot to the big screen.

Originally published April 10, 2024.

The post Blumhouse’s BLAIR WITCH Reboot Film Finds Its Director appeared first on Nerdist.

The beautiful part of being a fan of Avatar: The Last Airbender is that there are always new nooks and crannies of the world to explore, and so many mediums through which to do it. One of our favorite ways to immerse ourselves in the world we love so much is through Dark Horse Comics series of Avatar: The Last Airbender stories, created in collaboration with Avatar Studios and Avatar: The Last Airbender co-creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko. The newest of these tales is Avatar: The Last Airbender—Kyoshi Warriors, which will tell its story through three monthly single-issue comics. And you guessed it will focus on everyone’s favorite gal Suki and the other Kyoshi Warriors. This time, we’re going back into the original Avatar: The Last Airbender‘s timeline and seeing just how the Kyoshi Warriors came to help the mainland Earth Kingdom. To get you excited for this next ATLA comic series, it’s Nerdist‘s pleasure to exclusively reveal a first-look inside of Avatar: The Last Airbender—Kyoshi Warriors. Below are five excellent pages for you to enjoy.Dark Horse ComicsExclusive First Look Pages From Avatar: The Last Airbender—Kyoshi Warriors Click To View Gallery Dark Horse Comics Dark Horse Comics Dark Horse Comics Dark Horse Comics Dark Horse Comics

Those who have watched the Avatar: The Last Airbender cartoon will recall that Suki and the Kyoshi Warriors lived in great isolation on their island for a long time. But after encountering Aang, Sokka, and the Gaang, Suki and her friends decided it was time to help the greater Earth Kingdom with its efforts against the Fire Nation’s invasion. Eventually, Sokka, Suki, and the rest reunite in the major city of Ba Sing Se. Other Avatar: The Last Airbender comics tell more of Suki’s story. But regardless of how much you’ve dove into the legend of our favorite Kyoshi Warrior, Avatar: The Last Airbender—Kyoshi Warriors is going to tell one story you don’t want to miss.

RELATED ARTICLE

Aang and Katara’s Daughter Kya Stars in New AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER Graphic Novel (Exclusive)

In this comic series, as we see in our five exclusive first-look pages from Avatar: The Last Airbender—Kyoshi Warriors, the Kyoshi Warriors have left home and are TRYING to help out the rest of their Kingdom. But after such a long absence, it’s no easy task to regain trust and appreciation. But if anyone can do it, we bet it’s the smart and resourceful Suki. We love this gaggle of gals and ostrich-horses already! And the last of our five exclusive pages leaves us eager to know what comes next.

More About Avatar: The Last Airbender—Kyoshi WarriorsDark Horse Comics

The official description of Avatar: The Last Airbender—Kyoshi Warriors from Dark Horse Comics shares:

Dark Horse Comics, in collaboration with Avatar Studios and Avatar: The Last Airbender co-creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, presents Avatar: The Last Airbender—Kyoshi Warriors, a brand-new tale of the Kyoshi Warriors. This story will be told across three monthly single-issue comics, with the first issue arriving in May 2026. The series will be written by Brandon Hoáng (The Crossbow of Destiny), illustrated by BellBessa (Avatar: The Last Airbender—Ramen Rumble) and Xanthe Bouma, colored by Adele Matera (Avatar: The Last Airbender—Ashes of the Academy), and lettered by Comicraft’s Jimmy Betancourt (Ghostbusters: Dead Man’s Chest). Each issue will also feature cover art by Danielle Weires.

And offers the following synopsis:

Suki and the Kyoshi Warriors leave their island home to join the war against the Fire Nation. Met with suspicion and resentment by the mainlanders, they struggle to prove their worth to the Earth Kingdom. But when that opportunity arises, will they be willing to compromise their values as Kyoshi Warriors to embrace it?

When Does Avatar: The Last Airbender—Kyoshi Warriors Release?

Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Kyoshi Warriors #1 (of 3) releases in comic shops on May 6, 2026. It’s now available for preorder. Each issue will contain 22 story pages and will be available for $4.99.

In the meantime, you can check out other Avatar: The Last Airbender comic series like Avatar: The Last Airbender—The Bounty Hunter and the Tea Brewer, Avatar: The Last Airbender—Toph Beifong’s Metalbending Academy, Avatar: The Last Airbender—Imbalance, and more.

This post has affiliate links, which means we may earn advertising money if you buy something. This doesn’t cost you anything extra, we just have to give you the heads up for legal reasons. Click away!

The post Exclusive First Look: AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER—KYOSHI WARRIORS Comic appeared first on Nerdist.

It’s HAPPENING. It’s ALL HAPPENING. The vampiric convergence of our dreams is at last upon us. YES, we are talking about the melding of worlds, the breaking of the fourth wall, the BEST piece of marketing the world has ever seen. It’s The Vampire Lestat live in concert for one night only. And you’d better be there or be a sad blood bag for the rest of your life. Honestly, The Vampire Lestat is taking us to places we never thought we’d go. We imagined we hit a high with what we consider one of the best trailers ever for the upcoming season of the vampire show. But that is NOTHING compared to the idea that Sam Reid will be taking the stage as Lestat for an ACTUAL concert in NYC. We’re floating like we have the cloud gift. Are you a Fledgling who wants to attend? Below, we break down how you can see The Vampire Lestat in concert, where this concert is taking place, how you can get tickets, when the concert is, and SO much more. It’s time to take a wild ride.Table of contents; Jump To:

• How Can You Get Tickets for The Vampire Lestat in Concert?
• When and Where Is The Vampire Lestat’s Concert Taking Place?
  • Where Will The Vampire Lestat Concert Take Place?
  • When Will The Vampire Lestat Concert Take Place?
• How Much Do Tickets to The Vampire Lestat’s Concert Cost?
• Will Louis Attend The Vampire Lestat’s Concert?
• What Else Will Happen at The Vampire Lestat’s Concert?
• When Is The Vampire Lestat Releasing on AMC?

How Can You Get Tickets for The Vampire Lestat in Concert?

Okay, we won’t edge you like Lestat might and cut right to the chase. We know that if you’re here, you just want to know how, in this life (or the next), you can get a ticket to “The Vampire Lestat: One Night Only – Live” concert. Let’s break it down.

If you want to attend The Vampire Lestat’s concert, you can try your luck for a ticket beginning on Wednesday, May 6 at 12 am/midnight ET at this ticket site. There, you can request tickets to The Vampire Lestat live in concert. Yes, we said REQUEST tickets. That means tickets are not necessarily first-come, first-served; rather, when the ticket site opens, you can submit your request for a ticket. Those who are lucky enough to snag a ticket will be notified before the event. Please note: tickets are limited and certain age restrictions apply. Travel and accommodations are not provided. The concert is 18+.

When and Where Is The Vampire Lestat’s Concert Taking Place?

Okay, now for the details, you might like to know when and where you’ll have to travel to see The Vampire Lestat in all his glory. Here’s what you need to know:

Where Will The Vampire Lestat Concert Take Place?

The Vampire Lestat’s live concert will take place in NYC’s famed Beacon Theatre. It will be “the final stop of the band’s decadent North American tour.” And to be honest, we were feeling a little offended NYC wasn’t listed on his band tee before. But now, we accept.

When Will The Vampire Lestat Concert Take Place?

The Vampire Lestat: One Night Only – Live concert will take place on Tuesday, June 2. A truly historic day.

RELATED ARTICLE

You Can Now Stream THE VAMPIRE LESTAT’s Music on Spotify and More!How Much Do Tickets to The Vampire Lestat’s Concert Cost?

Tickets to The Vampire Lestat’s concert are FREE. Lestat is generous to his fledglings, after all. However, as mentioned, you’ll have to request your ticket to attend on May 6, and you may or may not receive one.

Will Louis Attend The Vampire Lestat’s Concert?AMC

Well, they are immortal lovers, after all… Perhaps we dare say, the loves of one another’s lives. Even though Louis was a bit deadpan about Lestat’s music before, could he really miss this chance?

Louis’ counterpart in our world, Jacob Anderson, told TV Insider, that he and Louis would attend The Vampire Lestat’s concert, sharing, “Yeah, of course! I wouldn’t miss it for the world. He’s going to be great.” Obsessed!

Will anyone else join in the concert fun? Well, we don’t know yet. But it might be said that it would be journalistically foolish for Eric Bogosian’s Daniel Molloy to miss this big event, so he can cover it for his Lestat documentary. And does Assad Zaman’s Armand not specialize in skulking in the shadows? We’ll have to stay tuned, but we feel hopeful!

What Else Will Happen at The Vampire Lestat’s Concert?

Here’s the official description of The Vampire Lestat’s one-night-only concert:

AMC & AMC+ Present: The Vampire Lestat: One Night Only – LIVE

Lights Down. Volume Up. Fangs Out.

On the final stop of the band’s decadent North American tour, The Vampire Lestat transforms the Beacon Theatre into a cathedral of chaos. The night kicks off with the exclusive premiere screening of The Vampire Lestat—your first hit of the myth, the menace, and the music.

Then the one and only Lestat de Lioncourt hits the stage.

In full rock‑god form, Lestat unleashes a live musical performance soaked in swagger, spectacle, and immortal excess. This is part screening, part concert, part temptation—designed to shake the walls and leave the faithful wanting more.

One night. No restraint.

Yeah, that sounds incredible. Truly inspired.

RELATED ARTICLE

THE VAMPIRE LESTAT Teaser: Armand is HUNGRY, Gabriella Is OVER IT

AMC further notes:

AMC Global Media announced today at this year’s Upfront Content Showcase that the Vampire Lestat, the world’s first immortal rock star, will make his final tour stop at the famed Beacon Theatre in New York City on June 2 for The Vampire Lestat: One Night Only – LIVE. Played by Sam Reid, Lestat will take the stage to perform original music by series Composer Daniel Hart for a live performance following a special screening of the premiere episode. The event will be open to fans with complimentary tickets available, beginning Wednesday, May 6 at 12am midnight ET. 

The premiere event kicks off a fan-first campaign for The Vampire Lestat, premiering Sunday, June 7 at 9pm ET/PT on AMC and AMC+, with custom partnerships spanning the season. Joining Lestat on “tour” are two standout partners, each bringing the show’s high-voltage style to life in distinct ways: POM Wonderful and Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. 

POM Wonderful pairs perfectly with The Vampire Lestat, acting as a wellness companion to the larger-than-life rockstar vampire himself. Powered by Content Room, AMC Global Media’s award-winning brand entertainment studio, POM will be woven into the new season through bold, fan-forward creative content. This will include enticing ad campaigns featuring Lestat sporting the bold, ruby red elixir as a nod to POM’s Antioxidant Superpower and the Immortal Universe’s signature aesthetic. 

As previously announced, Fender will have a series of four custom Player II Modified Stratocaster guitars – the Fender® Limited Edition LeStrat Stratocaster® HSS – unveiled in the show as Lestat’s rock star era unfolds. 

Kim Granito, Chief Marketing Officer, AMC Global Media finally shares,“Interview with the Vampire has one of the most devoted fandoms in television, and this season’s campaign is built for them. The Beacon event is one of many touchpoints designed to celebrate the deep connection they have to these characters and the world they love. We are thrilled to collaborate with POM and Fender to further elevate the Vampire Lestat’s rock star persona. These partnerships are another example of Content Room’s commitment to creating fan-driven opportunities that connect brands authentically with the stories and shows audiences crave.” 

It’s amazing that AMC knows their fans so well and will give them the exact gift they’ve been hungering for. We bet this will be an AMAZING evening.

When Is The Vampire Lestat Releasing on AMC?AMC

The Vampire Lestat debuts Sunday, June 7 on AMC and AMC+. The series synopsis reveals, “In the new season, the Vampire Lestat goes on an electric multi-city tour while being haunted by “muses” from his wild and rebellious past. As his band’s popularity and star power rises, so does Lestat’s influence over vampires and humans alike, leaving others to contend with Lestat’s power in the face of the Great Conversion, an unnatural surge in the vampire population. In addition to Reid, The Vampire Lestat stars Jacob Anderson, Assad Zaman, Eric Bogosian, Delainey Hayles and Jennifer Ehle and is executive produced by award-winning producer Mark Johnson, creator, writer and showrunner Rolin Jones, Hannah Moscovitch, along with Christopher Rice and the late Anne Rice.“

The post THE VAMPIRE LESTAT Will Be Live in Concert for ONE NIGHT ONLY appeared first on Nerdist.

I will never get tired of watching Back to the Future. It’s an absolutely perfect movie, one of my favorites ever. I will never get tired of thinking about it, talking about it, or reading about it, either. And now, as Robert Zemeckis’ legendary time travel tale continues celebrating its 40th anniversary, there’s a whole new way to enjoy it. Insight Editions recently announced the upcoming release of Back to the Future: The Complete Screenplay. It’s an annotated treasure trove from c-screenwriter and co-creator Bob Gale. Only some lucky fans are going to get an even more in-depth look at one of their favorite films. Nerdist has your exclusive announcement and first look at the officially licensed book’s new Limited-Edition version. Let’s dive into the details of Back to the Future: The Complete Screenplay – Limited Edition.Insight Editions

Back to the Future: The Complete Screenplay – Limited Edition will include the primary 348-page book from the movie’s screenwriter, Bob Gale. The officially licensed hardcover includes the movie’s 147-page script along with Gale’s behind-the-scenes commentary. It also features a color-coded reproduction that highlights script changes, full illustrations, stills, and concept art.

We’re not just talking a few small notes from Gale, either. This book is loaded with information for fans and cinephiles.

Insight Editions

If, like me, you quite literally cannot get enough of Marty McFly and Doc Brown, you’ll want to snag one of Insight Edition’s 500 Limited Edition copies. This special version comes in a collectible numbered slipcase. It is “quarter-bound in textured Wibalin paper with metallic silver cloth and foil debossing.” (Far more elegant than anything alternate 1985 Biff could have come up with.)

Gale also autographed every copy.

Insight Editions

Inside the slipcase, fans will find the hardcover complete shooting script that also has Gale’s illustrated annotations, “rare storyboards, newly rediscovered unit photography, and ‘Eric Stoltz version’ comparisons.” And as though that’s not enough, it also comes with a second facsimile of the original production script. That version has authentic recreations of the multicolored revision pages used on set during filming. It also comes with its own interior slipcase.

Like we said, no version of Biff in any timeline could ever.

If you hope/need to be one of the 500 people who snag this deluxe edition, you can already pre-order your copy of the Back to the Future: The Complete Screenplay – Limited Edition now. It’s available to pre-order at both Insight Editions’ website and the official Back to the Future page.

Insight Editions

And just to recap, here’s everything the limited edition version of Back to the Future: The Complete Screenplay will entail:

• A limited-edition (500 numbered copies) slipcased collectible, quarter-bound in textured Wibalin paper with metallic silver cloth and foil debossing, hand-signed by Bob Gale.
• A 348-page hardcover pairing the complete shooting script with Gale’s richly illustrated annotations, rare storyboards, newly rediscovered unit photography, and “Eric Stoltz version” comparisons.
• An insider’s guided tour through the film’s entire creation — from concept to shooting schedule and beyond — told from co-writer Bob Gale’s personal perspective.
• A separate facsimile of the original production script in its own protective slipcase, faithfully reproducing the multicolored revision pages used on set.

Back to the Future: The Complete Screenplay – Limited Edition will begin shipping in July. You don’t have to wait that long if you have a time-traveling DeLorean, though. And if you do feel free to also travel into the future to confirm that I never will get sick of enjoying Back to the Future anyway I can.

The post Limited-Edition BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Complete Screenplay Book Coming Soon (Exclusive) appeared first on Nerdist.

James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DCU is officially off and running. We have movies and TV shows to look forward for the foreseeable future after a great initial push. Creature Commandos is already streaming on Max. Superman hit cinemas in July and was a big success, while Peacemaker season two just wrapped in October. Now we know when the franchise’s next television installment will arrive. After getting delayed earlier this year, Gunn announced Lanterns will debut on August 16, just one month after Supergirl hits theaters. And unlike the show’s trailer, the image he used to share this news includes a whole lot of green.

Beware my power, Green Lantern's light. #Lanterns premieres August 16 on @hbomax.bsky.social.

— James Gunn (@jamesgunn.bsky.social) 2026-04-30T15:00:05.389Z

What can we expect from the show when it does premiere? Here’s everything we know so far about Lanterns.

HBOTitle

The title of the series is simply Lanterns. The green is implied, I guess.

DC StudiosLanterns Plot

In his initial video announcing the DC Studios slate, James Gunn described the show John Stewart and Hal Jordan investigating a “terrifying mystery” that has huge ties to the entire franchise. He likened the “Earthbound” story to True Detective.

Later descriptions include a fuller look at the plot. “Lanterns follows new recruit John Stewart and Lantern legend Hal Jordan, two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland.”

In a new trailer for its 2026 shows, HBO revealed its first clips from Lanterns. It highlighted how nutty Hal Jordan is. It also showed the Green Lantern ring.

First teaser for DC’s ‘LANTERNS’

Releasing in 2026 on HBO. pic.twitter.com/2VOexWIOWn

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) December 12, 2025

The series full trailer proved Gunn’s description was very accurate.

Behind the Scenes

Ozark showrunner and True Detective: Night Country producer Chris Mundy will serve as Lanterns‘ showrunner. Mundy along with comic writer Tom King (Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow) and Damon Lindelof (Lost, Watchmen) have written the series pilot and bible.

James Gunn and Peter Safran said of the announcement: “We’re thrilled to bring this seminal DC title to HBO with Chris, Damon and Tom at the helm. John Stewart and Hal Jordan are two of DC’s most compelling characters, and Lanterns brings them to life in an original detective story that is a foundational part of the unified DCU we’re launching next summer with Superman.”

“When we first started the DCU, the first couple of weeks of heading this out, we got together with a group of writers, and Tom King was one of those writers, and we were in this room, and we came up with sort of this concept for Lanterns. It’s a much more it’s a very grounded series, a very real series, which is a strange thing to say about a Green Lanterns show. But it’s going to be something like nobody’s ever seen before.”

James Hawes, director of series like Doctor Who, Penny Dreadful, and Black Mirror, will direct the the first two episodes of Lanterns. He, along with the writers above, will serve as executive producers.

Taking to social media, James Gunn revealed a first-look image from Lanterns. And in it, we get our first look at Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern Ring. Additionally, we see Kyle Chandler’s Hal Jordan and Aaron Pierre’s John Stewart together for the first time.

John P. Johnson/HBO

Gunn notes in his post, “Excited that #Lanterns is now in production. DC Studios’ new show for HBO and Max, from creators Chris Mundy, Damon Lindelof, & Tom King, starring Kyle Chandler & Aaron Pierre, is something really special.”

John P. Johnson/HBO

Filming is expected to take place from January to June 2025.

Lanterns‘ CastNBC/DC Comics

The series will focus on the veteran Green Lantern Hal Jordan working a case with rookie GL John Stewart. In order to play these roles, DC would need some heavy hitters. And heavy hitters they got! Kyle Chandler (Bloodline, Friday Night Lights) plays Hal Jordan.

To play the role of John Stewart, DC cast Aaron Pierre. Pierre had a big 2025 with both the Netflix thriller Rebel Ridge and as the titular voice in Disney’s not-live-action live action film Mufasa.

“Aaron Pierre is somebody who I’ve wanted to work together with for a long time,” said James Gunn during an NYCC panel. “People don’t know, but he was almost cast as Adam Warlock. He’s an amazing actor, and I just really admired him from the beginning of his career. Seeing him read with Kyle was one of those miraculous moments. I don’t care what they’re saying, I just love what they’re saying together.”

Max PR/Warner Bros Animation

Boardwalk Empire‘s Kelly Macdonald also joins Lanterns as “Sheriff Kerry, a no-nonsense woman deeply devoted to her family and close-knit town. Her resilience, shaped by a complex past that’s hardened her resolve, anchors her when the community’s secrets begin to surface.” According to Deadline, Kelly Macdonald’s character may also “be a potential love interest for Chandler’s Hal Jordan.” Very interesting.

Additionally, Jason Ritter joins Lanterns as Billy Macon. The official description for this character notes, “Billy Macon is a good-looking charmer who does his father’s bidding. Capitalizing on his family’s reputation, he clings to his small-town ego and has everything to lose.” Ulrich Thomsen will play villain Sinestro.

RELATED ARTICLE

LANTERNS Casts Sinestro, Danish Actor Ulrich Thomsen Will Play Iconic DC Villain

Finally, Deadline revealed that J. Alphonse Nicholson, known for his role on P-Valley, will have a recurring role as a younger John, Sr. in the series. Sherman Augustus will have a more regular role as the the current John, Sr.

Lanterns‘ Release Date

Lanterns will debut on August 16, just a month after Supergirl and a couple of months before Clayface.

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

Originally published on December 30, 2024.

The post James Gunn Announces LANTERNS August Premiere Date appeared first on Nerdist.

If there’s one thing that’s true in The Boys, it is that nothing good comes from being in alliance with Homelander. He will use anyone to fit his twisted agenda and ask them to do things that are absolutely sickening and immoral. And, as we’ve seen throughout this series, once he’s done with someone or feels like they are a threat, he will kill them right away. Well, unless you’re Soldier Boy. There was no one who sold her soul more for Homelander than Firecracker, and she paid for those choices with her life in episode five. Showrunner Eric Kripke says that ending was fitting for Firecracker in The Boys, and we’d have to agree with him. 

RELATED ARTICLE

THE BOYS’ Valorie Curry on Firecracker’s Conflict and Consequences

“She represents these people that, no matter if you’re going to work for Homelander or various Presidents of the United States, you need to compromise every value and character and belief you’ve had,” Kripke told Nerdist. “They’re not happy until you completely humiliate yourself and give them everything you ever have. And then they throw you out. And they usually throw you out right after you’ve completely denigrated yourself… We had this great story of her completely sacrificing her morals… You prostrate yourself before these guys and they immediately kick you out in the cold.” 

Jasper Savage/Prime Video

That certainly reflects things we’ve seen in our political and overall social climate many times before. There will be someone so incredibly devoted to a leader or public figure who is clearly corrupt, and they eventually have to pay in some manner. Sure, it’s not having a supe ram your head into a statue, but it is often through financial loss or a complete crumbling of their reputation and livelihood. Firecracker was so deeply into the mess that by the time she really realized Homelander was insane, it felt too late to pull away. It’s a true cautionary tale about idolizing someone, indeed. 

The post Eric Kripke on THE BOYS Big Supe Death and Moral Sacrifice appeared first on Nerdist.

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is coming to theaters in July. And we are sure that anyone who wants to see this film starring Zendaya, Tom Holland, Matt Damon, and a host of other A-list actors knows that it will not be a short film. How could anyone tell this epic tale properly without taking a few hours to do so? Nolan did use more than 2 million feet of film to make The Odyssey, but he says it will actually be shorter than Oppenheimer. Universal Pictures

He revealed this information during an interview with Associated Press. Oppenheimer clocked in at 180 minutes, which is three hours. Thankfully, the MCU trained us all to be able to sit for that long of a film. But shorter could literally mean that The Odyssey is 2 hours and 59 minutes long, right? That would be quite funny, actually. Either way, Nolan is hopeful that audiences will love his take on one of the most enduring stories in human history. 

RELATED ARTICLE

THE ODYSSEY New Footage Shows Intense Trojan War Battle

“There’s a massive amount of pressure,” said Nolan. “Anyone taking on The Odyssey is taking on the hopes and dreams of people for epic movies everywhere and that comes with a huge responsibility. What I learned from [making The Dark Knight trilogy] is that what people want from a movie about a beloved story, a beloved set of characters, is they want a strong and sincere interpretation. They want to know that a filmmaker has gone to the mat for it. I really tried to make the best film possible.” 

The Odyssey will come to theaters on July 17.

The post Christopher Nolan Says THE ODYSSEY Is Shorter Than OPPENHEIMER appeared first on Nerdist.

Here’s an interesting fact about Firehouse Subs: the company’s President is named Mike Hancock. What? You don’t think that’s especially noteworthy? Hold on. Here’s another interesting fact: Firehouse Subs just debuted a “new and improved” Steak & Cheese Melt to its menu nationwide. Still not that intrigued? Here comes the payoff. An even more interesting fact: next week the restaurant chain is giving away a free Steak & Cheese Melt to every Mike/Michael/Mikey/Miguel/Michelle/Michele/Michaela in America.

And the most interesting fact of them all: I, Mikey Walsh, am known by four of those names.

Firehouse Subs

Firehouse Subs has announced that on Wednesday, May 6, any customer with a name in the “Mike family” can stop by for a free, no-strings-attached medium Steak & Cheese Melt at participating U.S. locations.

The chain is calling it the “best steak sub” they’ve ever made. The protein-packed submarine sandwich (42 grams in a mediu) features flame-seared USDA Choice prime rib, provolone, brown sugar caramelized onions, and red and green bell peppers on a top-cut roll.

The Firehouse Subs giveaway’s official press release cites no specific reason for why it’s singling out Mikes for free subs rather than say the Chrises or Daniels of America. It does, however, include a statement from Mike Hancock. “We’re proud of this sub – the prime rib, the caramelized onions, the top-cut roll,” said Mike. “Once people try it, we think it earns its place among the best steak subs out there. Sharing it with every Mike in America felt like a great way to kick things off.”

The company also shared this video which shows it’s very much in on the joke.

I like the way you think, Mike. I also like that some people call me Michael, some call me Mike, some call me Mikey, and my friend Joe calls me Miguel. (Great foresight 22 years ago, Joey Joe Joe!)

Do I, as a valued member of the Mike community plan to take advantage of this free Firehouse Subs offer? Let’s just say if anyone wants to call me by yet another “Mike” variation before May 6 I strongly encourage that.

The post Every ‘Mike’ in America Can Get a Free Steak & Cheese Melt From Firehouse Subs appeared first on Nerdist.

Did you find 1995’s Casper movie—a story about a dead child ghost helping a young girl cope with her mother’s death—too uplifting? Okay, a little weird, but good news. Disney is reportedly ready to give you a slightly darker take on the classic character. It’s developing a new, modern live-action Casper series from executive producer Steven Spielberg. And it’s said to be more like Netflix’s Wednesday than the beloved Christina Ricci/Bill Pullman film.Universal Pictures

Deadline reports Disney+ won a bidding war for a new Casper the Friendly Ghost series. It comes from Disney+ Goosebumps‘ Rob Letterman and Hilary Winston. The two will write the show with Letterman directing. The duo will also serve as executive producers alongside Steven Spielberg. He filled the same role on the 1995 film. After years of mergers and buy-outs, the rights issues means the Disney+ show will also be a co-production between DreamWorks Animation TV and Universal Studio Group’s UCP. Universal Pictures distributed the Ricci/Pullman film, which Spielberg’s Amblin Films co-produced.

RELATED ARTICLE

Steven Spielberg Says Trailers Shouldn’t Show Act 3 Footage (And He’s Right!)

According to Deadline‘s Nellie Andreeva, while the series is very early in its development, it’s expected to be a “modern update.” It will have a “dark edge” reminiscent of Wednesday starring Jenna Ortega. (The report also notes the show will use CGI. So sorry real ghosts hoping to audition! You’re out of luck!)

Universal Pictures

Considering Tim Burton’s take on The Addams Family has been a ratings bonanza for Netflix, it’s easy to understand why Disney+ might want to take a similar approach to Casper. However, unlike The Addams Family, which has always been weird, Casper is quite famously a friendly ghost. Even a “darker” version might not be that dark.

RELATED ARTICLE

WEDNESDAY Season 3 Production Arrives in Paris

Of course, as we noted at the start of this post, the 1995 Casper is based on some pretty dark ideas! That underlying tension and sadness obviously worked. Kids who grew up with that film (in a way Casper never did) still love it.

Geez, sorry. That “growing up” joke was pretty dark. If you liked it, though, something tells us you’re definitely going to watch this new Disney+ Casper show.

The post ‘Dark’ Live-Action CASPER Series in the Works From Steven Spielberg appeared first on Nerdist.

Doom is coming to the MCU! The fan favorite villain Doctor Doom will be making his long awaited arrival when Avengers: Doomsday premieres this December. But with the expansive scope of the Multiverse Saga, some fans may need a refresher before going into this epic crossover. Fortunately, Dan Casey is here to break down all the essential storylines since Avengers: Endgame you need to remember on today’s Nerdist video!

The post Every Marvel Story to Revisit Before Avengers: Doomsday appeared first on Nerdist.

Biological changes and loneliness aren’t the only problems Peter Parker will have to deal with in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Since no one in the world, including Happy Hogan, remembers him after No Way Home, Peter no longer has access to Stark Industries technology. That means no nano suit or cutting edge weaponry. Fortunately, as the film’s screenplay shows, he won’t be completely out of luck. He knows how to build his own useful superhero tools.

Marvel Studios/Sony Pictures

The first three annotated pages of the Spider-Man: Brand New Day script shared by Entertainment Weekly reveal just how important Peter Parker’s mysterious physical change will be to the film’s plot. That’s a matter for biologists, though. What about the concerns of engineers on both Earth-616 and our own? The screenplay also covers that. It reveals how Spider-Man will get by without the late Tony Stark’s tech. He’ll use his own modified devices to help with his suit, crimefighting, and his loneliness.

“No more Stark money or gadgets,” reads a handwritten note on page one of the script. “All of his tech needs to have been made by Peter.” That homemade tech will include E.V., which the script says is Peter’s AI Assistant. While the script shows the program running numbers after he asks it to “check the calibration” on his “targeting matrix,” she also fills another role in his life. Another annotation says that “sadly” E.V. is “the closest thing Peter has to a friend.”

Aww.

Peter also came up with a way to maintain and patch up his new, homemade super suit. (It’s made with “real fabric, seams, wrinkles” and inspired by his encounter with the other two Spider-Mans in No Way Home.) For that Holland’s Peter built his own “fabricator.” Another notation calls the device a “3D printer on steroids,” the kind of machine “that could be made by a kid genius w/limited funds.”

It’s very fortunate for Spider-Man that Peter Parker is a kid genius. Because when you no longer have access to Stark Industries super tech you have to get by on your own. Your own super tech.

The post BRAND NEW DAY Script Reveals How Peter Survives Without Stark Tech appeared first on Nerdist.

Disney Lorcana prepares to enter its next set rotation with Wilds Unknown, a set that adds new deck synergies based around popular Pixar characters. Due for a wide release on May 15, it won’t likely radically shift the metagame as much as July’s planned rotation, which drops several older sets from active use. However, it does feature big changes to the types of products released for individual Lorcana sets as well as a novel new design feature (one that most Magic fans should be familiar with) that could gradually become a bigger part of Lorcana over time.

RELATED ARTICLE

DISNEY LORCANA WINTERSPELL Is a Balanced Set That’s Tons of Fun (Review)

The selling point of Wilds Unknown is the introduction of three new Disney properties, all of which were produced and animated by Pixar. Characters from Toy Story appear in the new set, along with characters from Brave and The Incredibles. While the Brave characters don’t bring any new mechanics or specific theming to the table, characters from The Incredibles and Toy Story synergize with their respective franchises thanks to two new classifications—Super and Toy. Many of the major characters from the set have abilities that specifically interact with one of these characterizations. Woody – Jungle Guide, for instance, grants all other Toy cards +1 defense, while Mr Incredible – Super Strong allows a player to draw a card whenever a Super challenges another character.

One of my first takeaways when looking through Wilds Unknown is that this set seems to use classifications (Lorcana’s equivalent to typal decks) a lot more aggressively compared to earlier Lorcana sets. Lorcana has always had space for certain themed decks (Princesses, of course, were a part of Lorcana since the beginning). But these decks didn’t really start to synergize with each other until several sets were released. However, players can build a semi-decent Toy deck right out of the gate, or a Super deck pretty easily. We haven’t seen this much intra-set synergy since Lorcana introduced the Madrigal family from Encanto in Ursula’s Return. Perhaps coincidentally, Wilds Unknown also introduces a ton of new Madrigal cards, allowing for some fresh new card combos in those decks.

Ravensburger

What I really like about the new Toys and Supers classifications is that players have options when building decks. Players can opt for an Amber/Sapphire combo if they want to team up Woody with Sid, who can banish Toy cards in exchange for lore. Or, players can opt for an Amber/Emerald deck combination to pair Woody up with his best friend Buzz Lightyear. Likewise, the Incredibles feature heavily in Steel, Ruby, and Amethyst, giving players multiple options from which to build decks themed around a single franchise.

While Brave doesn’t haven’t the same level of synergies as its fellow Pixar franchises, it features one of the most potent card combos in the game. The legendary Merida card Merida – Formidable Archer, automatically deals 2 extra damage whenever an action card damages an opposing character. To guarantee at least one interaction, Merida can pull the Three Arrows card from the discard when she enters play. Three Arrows deals 2 damage to an opposing character, and then 1 damage to either the same character or a different one. When coupled with Merida’s ability, Three Arrows super-charges into a seven damage action, which can wipe out most cards very quickly.

The other novel new design feature in Wilds Unknown is the introduction of a cycle of cards across all six colors. Card cycles are very common in Magic: The Gathering and feature cards of a similar theme or mechanic. In Wilds Unknown, there are a total of 12 Traveler cards, two of each color. Each Traveler card (which includes a Sensational Six member, along with three princesses and three villains) has an ability that only activates when the card quests after another character card has been played. Although the design of these cards don’t seem particularly special, cycle cards are a rich design space in Magic: The Gathering and other card games and I’m excited to see how they’re incorporated more within Lorcana.

Ravensburger

Publisher Ravensburger has also beefed up the product releases for Wilds Unknown, adding several new products to their release slate. In addition to the standard Illumineer’s Trove and booster packs (both of which were provided for review by the publisher) Ravensburger is also now publishing Prerelease Packs and two-player starter deck sets. The Prerelease set comes with six booster packs, plus one of six promo cards and a set of dice. While I personally would have liked to see a Build and Battle box-style set similar to Pokemon, the Prerelease Packs are long overdue and provide an easy way for fans to get hyped for the new set’s release. Pre-release parties may also help bolster player count numbers in stores and potentially set players up to attend local weekly events at stores as well.  This product is good for the overall health of the game.

The other new product release are two-player starter decks, which replace the single deck starter decks that have been a standby of every other deck of the franchise. I’m a big believer in pre-constructed decks as a must-have for starter decks and I think that two-person starter decks are far better than a single deck. After all, players can easily bring a friend aboard with an extra deck (Lorcana needs two players to play under almost every circumstance) and there’s no need to try to find the “perfect deck” to match a player’s playstyle when there’s only a single product. We weren’t provided with the new decks to review, but I’m confident that the new decks are an easy entry point for Lorcana. The player decks, by and large, have always hit well in my household.

RELATED ARTICLE

How to Start Playing the DISNEY LORCANA Trading Card Game

I think Wilds Unknown is one of the more focused Lorcana sets we’ve had in quite some time. The new franchises are given all the shine in the deck, but there are still a couple of other franchises mixed in for good measure. What’s more – those franchises are supported immediately with some unique decks that could be impactful (or at least fun to play) right out of the gate. While I can’t speak to whether Wilds Unknown will be super impactful for the metagame, especially as Lorcana is about to rotate sets, the shift to sets that more heavily rely on a few set themes is good for the health of the game.

Not only does it provide more than aesthetic differences between sets, it also ensures that each set has several easy starting places for players looking to build their own decks. Players won’t have to go outside of Wilds Unknown to build a Toy deck, or a Supers deck, or even decks built around the Seven Dwarves. Hopefully, these decks can be supplemented in future sets, quickly allowing them to make an impact in competitive play.

Wilds Unknown is a strong set that marks a big shift for Lorcana. By focusing on new decks instead of continuously building up a handful of competitive decks, it makes it easier for new players to break into the game. Although there’s a potential handoff should these new typal decks ever become too powerful, I like the idea of good decks that can be built from a single set. What will be interesting is whether Lorcana’s designer continue to grow typal decks in sets, or if Wilds Unknown is a unique flash in the pan meant to kickstart the Pixar era of Disney Lorcana.

The post DISNEY LORCANA’s WILDS UNKNOWN Set Puts Pixar Characters in Play (Review) appeared first on Nerdist.

The Boys season five’s fifth episode is quite the doozy. We get a wild and bloody scene in Hollywood and some seriously weird behavior from Terror the bulldog. But, the episode also focused a fair amount of attention on Firecracker, Homelander’s confidante and media guru who spreads whatever messages he wants her to. Firecracker continues to battle some serious inner conflict with Homelander’s “revelation” that he’s God and her own belief system she’s held since childhood. And, in the end, her devotion to the snake of a supe ended with her demise. We spoke to Valorie Curry about her character’s final bow and if she thinks Firecracker got the ending she deserved. 

Nerdist: When did you find out that Firecracker was going to die this season and what was your initial reaction to that news?

Valorie Curry: To be honest, [Showrunner Eric] Kripke was pretty clear from the beginning that she was going to die at some point. I think I knew it was going to be season five. And that’s because he wanted to explore the idea, the meme that “the leopards won’t eat my face.” And it was going around a lot at the time. Yes, the leopards are going to eat your face eventually! So she was always going to end in some way and probably by [Homelander’s] hand. 

RELATED ARTICLE

This Major Death in THE BOYS Is Grim Yet Well-Deserved

I was surprised she lasted until episode five because she was looking pretty rough by the end of season four. But it was really great to get to end her story based on this arc that was really about her conflict and her personal convictions rather than it being poisoning through the medication she’s taking or something. Do you know what I mean? It came out of character and I think it was really apt for her and I was grateful for that.

It was kind of a full circle moment. Earlier this season, when Homelander first started introducing this concept of being this Messiah-like figure, you see that very deep discomfort in her. Yet she still sticks with what he’s doing and commits to it. What do you think that Firecracker went along with this outside of not wanting to die, which still happened anyway?

Curry: I think her reaction to his revelation is twofold. The first level is panic because she realizes he’s absolutely insane. Her vision of him has fallen apart…She really did believe that he was the embodiment of everything she idealized, everything good. And she has come to know that he’s dangerous, he is violent, he is mercurial, he’s stupid, and now he’s insane. And she has hitched her wagon to somebody who is all of those things, but now crazy is the straw that breaks the camel’s back. She is being asked to, in many ways, do what she’s always done, which is just say what people want to hear. She’s become so much of a performance rather than a person because she will say anything to appeal to the people in the room.

Prime Video

It’s hard to even know who she is anymore. And it just pushes her to her limit in terms of that. It’s sort of a test for herself like, “Can I say this and have it not actually touch who I am?” And she finds out she can’t. Also she has no choice at this point. She’s dying either way. Or maybe she’s not dying, but it’s like she’s too inside of it. There’s no getting out. She has to do this, or at least she feels that way, but she’s not going to get out unscathed on a personal level. When it comes to that scene with him, that final scene, she’s so broken. She’s given up whatever humanity she has left.

It was a really tense stand-off. I think it gives a little bit more conflicting emotion than most people would think because anyone with the Seven is not good overall. But then you think about this loss of agency and how she’s used to being in spaces where you have deep devotion and dedication to something, and if that isn’t what you wanted it to be, then it is hard to walk away. 

Curry: Yes, to be devoted to someone who then asks you to betray yourself in order to show your devotion. I mean, I think you’ve kind of hit that on the head.

So I’ll ask this question and I think it’s probably going to have a complicated answer. Do you think that Firecracker ultimately got the ending that she earned and deserved?

Curry: Well, you know what? I’m going to answer for Firecracker because I don’t know that I can answer from my perspective. It’s my job as an actor not to judge my character, but obviously this one, you have to judge. Firecracker is terrible! But one of the things that I was really staying grounded in with this arc is that it’s not just this sort of personal betrayal. It’s not just that she’s being asked to betray her father figure.

Jasper Savage/Prime Video

It’s that if her belief in Christianity and Jesus is truly a deeply held belief, asking her to do this is asking her to deny Christ, and that is Hell. And if you still have any glimmer of that religion, that doctrine inside of you, that fear of Hell is there and it’s not going away. And so I think there is perhaps an argument that she’s a martyr to her cause, you know what I mean? In the end, she does deny him and she dies anyway. But I think she could probably spin that as she was a martyr to the cause.

She would totally do that. I would want to know how she’d spin and report on her own death. If Firecracker had lived and we had more time in the series, do you think that she would’ve ever gotten to the point where she could come into an alliance with Annie and find some kind of compromise? They’ve always had such a deeply contentious relationship.

Curry: I wish that that was something that we could have touched back on, that Annie relationship. I don’t know. I think maybe if there had been more time. One of the things that is so stressful for these characters is there’s so much urgency. You’ve got to make the choice and figure out who you’re with quickly. Everything is happening very quickly and the stakes are so high. I think there is a world in which, given more time, she might have, but ultimately she was just trying to survive.

Where we see her by her end in season five, she would very happily be out of Vought. I think she would live underground and maybe she’s changing her name and she’s giving alligator tours on a swamp. I think she would very happily get as far away from this as possible and live very quietly and never endanger herself in this way again.

The post THE BOYS’ Valorie Curry on Firecracker’s Conflict and Consequences appeared first on Nerdist.

Daveed Diggs is a breath of fresh air in every project he’s in, whether it is rocking the stage in Hamilton or braving a dystopian world in Snowpiercer. Now, we get to see Diggs on the small screen in The Boys as Oh-Father, a hyper religious supe who is all about supporting Homelander’s fascist America… or is he? We spoke to Diggs about Oh-Father’s true motivations and where his story is heading in The Boys season five. 

RELATED ARTICLE

Who Is Daveed Diggs’ Character Oh-Father in THE BOYS?

Oh-Father has really blessed The Boys season five with all of his religious chaos. This character is really taking aim at real world figures like some mega church pastors and televangelists who pretend like they’re this beacon of righteousness, but that’s not true. We know that there’s money and fame to be found from Oh-Father going down this pathway with Homelander and Ashley, but do you think he has any other ulterior motives that make him want to be aligned with them?

Daveed Diggs: I think Oh-Father’s an opportunist and a hustler, and he’s really good at a pivot, too. And his way with words has sort of served him really well his whole life. He’s not afraid to jump into the deep end of something. He is very much like, “Well, if this serves me now, I’m going to do this now. And also if it stops serving me at some point, I will get out of this. ” And so he’s got a good hustler’s mentality about all of it. 

I think he’s very smart. And so he sees a lot of potential where this could go, but he also, maybe to his detriment at some point, somewhere deep down believes in people in some way… It all gets complicated for him for sure.

Interesting. Does he legitimately practice what he preaches or is he just running a scheme altogether? 

Diggs: I think it’s both. I think the main tenet of his belief is “I am the messenger of God. As such, I have to be fly out here. If I’m doing bad, then what does that say about God?” And so that equivalency is what allows him to make almost any choice as long as it serves him and the church. The church got to look a certain way. I can’t be out here not flying private. That’s not God-like. God is the ultimate player and then me. So those are the choices that belief, and I think he does believe it, allows him to do the mental gymnastics necessary to do a lot of the preaching he does.

Prime Video

Absolutely. I know the TV show has mostly veered away from the comics in a lot of ways, but Oh-Father is a comic character. You had that foundation to work off of, but how did you partner together with Eric Kripke to formulate Oh-Father’s personality and bring him to live action in a different sense?

Diggs: Yeah, our Oh-Father’s pretty different from the comic book one. But working with Kripke was great because he gave me all the kinds of books that they were reading in the writer’s room about the dissolution of church and state and all of the kinds of political things they were thinking about getting into with this supe. And I also watched a lot of televangelists and evangelical pastors. It was the virtuosity that I really was able to key into.

We believe somebody who’s great at what they do. And Oh-Father is great at what he does. I think it was a really useful hook for me. And in those talks with Kripke and with all the directors, it allowed us to make these broad choices that I hope still play well in this world. The Boys is, for as insane as it is, also really grounded.

For sure, and you can feel Oh-Father’s power and influence when he’s onscreen! So you came into this established TV dynamic with all these actors who have been working together for years. But you seem to fit in perfectly. What was your experience like working with the cast, especially with Colbie Minifie and Antony Starr?

Diggs: They’re so wonderful. Colbie from day one was like, “What do you need?” Coming in on the fifth season of a show, it’s hard because you’re the new kid in school and it’s already senior year. But they also have been doing it for so long. It’s a hard show to make, man. Their hours are very, very long. All of the crew and everybody, it’s very difficult to pull off all these stunts and everything. The shots are so precise and it’s hard work. And so for them to, as soon as I show up, be like, “What do you need? Let us know. Don’t overextend yourself in these ways. Here are all the tricks of the trade… We play backgammon. Do you know how to play?” 

Everyone was so inviting and getting to spend so much time with Colbie was such a joy. I think she’s so brilliant and Antony, too. I mean, such geniuses. I was a fan before, and so I really lucked out with getting to hang with them.

Let’s see what other deeds Oh-Father gets into as The Boys season five progresses.

The post Daveed Diggs Teases Oh-Father’s Agenda in THE BOYS appeared first on Nerdist.

The Devil Wears Prada was first released in 2006. And in so many ways, we lived in a much different world then. There have been countless changes in the last 20 years, but most importantly, in 2006, the internet, though already a critical part of existence, was just starting its massive takeover of how we imagine, create, and, for lack of a better word, consume our “content.” In that time, our technological advancements have, of course, brought us many gifts, but in the most recent years, feel like they’ve taken a darker turn—especially as it pertains to our creative lives and industries. The very places, which, as The Devil Wears Prada 2 so astutely notes, humanity should showcase its greatest achievements. This existential threat is something I meditate on every day. And our current fictions do meditate on it as well, but often through the lens of extreme sci-fi dystopia and deranged horror monsters, rather than in plain realism that lays the issues bare. And so, it is with something like awe that I am pleased to report that The Devil Wears Prada 2 makes it its core mission to reflect on the current state of media and journalism in a stylish, funny, heartfelt, nostalgic, and extremely honest way. Thus, in my opinion, The Devil Wears Prada 2 becomes one of the most important movies of the year. Let’s dive into our full review of this sequel film.

We’ve seen many nostalgia sequels in recent years. And it’s not hard to imagine why a studio might want to bring back a big hit with a built-in audience. But harder to imagine is whether there is actually a core reason, beyond just the guaranteed slam dunk of a well-known title, to unearth these beloved stories. And that’s where The Devil Wears Prada 2 rises above the rest of its ilk. It would have been simple to make an all-style, no-substance sequel to The Devil Wears Prada—one that leans into the gossipy fun and dazzling designs of the original and little more. It would have been simple to keep the story a fun springtime blockbuster, all fluffy snark and interpersonal relationship drama.

But those creating The Devil Wears Prada 2 realized that the world in which The Devil Wears Prada had been born no longer truly exists. That things have changed, and, in most cases, changed direly. And the film refuses to pretend otherwise for the sake of fun fiction. And it is precisely this commitment to the bleak reality that Andy, Miranda, Nigel, and the rest would find themselves surrounded by in 2026 that makes this story so worth telling.

20th Century Studios

If you’d asked me whether The Devil Wears Prada 2 would deliver one of the most sharply satirical and brutally honest looks at the issues with media and journalism today, I wouldn’t have said I found that very likely. And yet, when Andy begins the movie sitting at a journalism awards reception with her co-workers, literally getting honored for their thoughtful and important work, and at once, all of their phones go off with texts notifying them of a mass layoff, I knew that this movie simply understood. And from that moment forward, The Devil Wears Prada 2 takes its viewers on a well-written, gorgeously clothed, hilariously snarky walk through so many of the main issues that threaten not only an entire industry, but also all those who it informs and shapes, the very truth of public consciousness itself.

From predatory investment firms that lack all passion and creativity buying and selling digital publications like they’re monopoly properties to the need to please advertisers to survive, to the constant danger of imagining AI can do the work of a human being, to the wild instability that exists in current media positions and the constant fear of the word “restructuring” to the need to package “content” for clicks versus prioritizing vision and meaning, The Devil Wears Prada 2 literally understands it all.

20th Century Studios

But what it also understands is that those for whom journalism, storytelling, and the chronicling of our very human existence are the truest calling and highest passion will always fight against impossible odds to continue creating and engaging with the subject matter that touches their hearts. That even as it feels like the way forward is shrinking to nothing, there will always be those intensely determined to keep art alive. And that message, in my opinion, extends not only to journalism and writing, nor only to all creative pursuits, but also to all pursuits and industries that find themselves on unsteady ground thanks to the way modernity has unrolled.

Although the movie cannot necessarily tell us how to fight the truths we face outside of its fictional narrative, it reminds us that within us, within people, within community, and within human hope, there will always be a way forward. And so The Devil Wears Prada 2 becomes universally necessary, as it both sheds light on the reality we live in, painting its evils brightly, and bolsters us with the strength we need to thrive within it.

20th Century Studios

Of course, on top of all of this gravity, the movie revives everything we loved about the original. The clothing is exquisite, the banter is witty, and the characters feel familiar. There’s genuine love that comes through the various relationships, offering a lived-in feeling to the material. Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci bring back all our favorite characters from the original without missing a single beat. I sincerely cried during, at minimum, three different points in the movie… And laughed more times than I can count.

Was The Devil Wears Prada 2 the sequel movie I was expecting when I walked into the movie theater? No. But it turns out, it was so much more important than that. Instead of just another nostalgia beat, it was a movie that unapologetically examined the times we live in and promised that although the fight is hard, it’s worth fighting, worth hoping, and worth appreciating every moment where we can create and share beauty and meaning. It didn’t promise a solution, but it promised that we’re not alone.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 releases in theaters on May 1, 2026.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 ⭐ (4.5 of 5)

The post THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 Is 2026’s Most Important Movie—Here’s Why It Matters (Review) appeared first on Nerdist.

The live-action Stranger Things series might be over, but that’s definitely not the end of the franchise. While we wait for a potential spin-off from the Duffer Brothers, Fanboy & Chum Chum creator Eric Robles has created an animated “in-betweenquel,” Stranger Things: Tales from ’85. The show takes us back to the flagship show’s early era, before our favorite D&D lovin’ kids had their voices crack. With season one behind him and a success, we spoke with Robles about creating a new, unexplored era in the Hawkins timeline.Netflix

Note: This interview was conducted before we knew of the season two renewal for Stranger Things: Tales from ’85.

NERDIST: How did you get involved in Stranger Things: Tales from ’85, and how long was this show in development before you came on board? Was it always set between seasons 2 and 3 of the live-action series?

Eric Robles: This is my understanding. It was something that was in development for a little while before I even showed up. But the biggest challenge was that the Duffer Brothers did want this to take place between seasons two and three. Their big ask for anybody they would bring on to try to figure this out was, “It has to take place between two and three, but you cannot open up a gate.” And as much as people tried, I guess that they just weren’t figuring that out.

Netflix

And at the time, I had pitched a horror series to Netflix, and we were talking about it for a while. They ended up saying, “Oh, you know what, we’re going to have to pass on it, because we have something that would compete against what you’re doing.” Because I was doing a horror series and they had Stranger Things, which I didn’t know at the time.

And then, after they said, “We’re gonna pass,” they’d call me back like two weeks later or something like that, and they were like, “Hey Robles, do you want to come check out what we got?” And I said, “Absolutely.” They told me it was Stranger Things. I’m like, oh my gosh. Are you kidding me? I would love to take a stab at this. And the challenge was to set it between 2 and 3. And that’s when I kind of went away and figured out this idea of what we can do, and how we can make this series happen.

Tales from ’85 takes place in the winter, which is a season the live-action show avoided. Probably because it’s hard to film in the snow. How do you feel the season changed the kind of story you wanted to tell?

Robles: It was exciting for us to be placed in the winter because we’re trying to clean the slate for what you expect in Hawkins. And so it just gives you a new palette to play with, which allowed us to have these great stories, which start from the first episode, which is our “snow shark,” right? I’m a huge horror fan. So Jaws obviously has a huge impact. And I was just like, “Wait a second, you have Hawkins completely covered in a sea of white snow.” So you want to have your own snow shark. And it just really allowed us to play. Like the way we have the big storm that happens in episodes 6 and 7? That’s part of an actual thing that happened in Indiana in 1985. We did our research, and there was a big winter storm that actually happened during that period.

Netflix

Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 keeps the tone of the live-action show for the most part, but there are elements that feel tailor-made for animation. One of those was the pumpkin creatures in episode two. How much did you feel you needed to balance stuff we expect from the Hawkins we know with elements that only work in cartoon form?

Robles: Yeah, I think this series wasn’t meant to be this fill-in-the-blanks of the flagship series. We literally meant for it to become The Real Ghostbusters, right? And, you know, being a kid of the ’80s myself, like when The Real Ghostbuster came out, I was so excited about just having that animated series of my favorite characters, right? And so the Duffer brothers also grew up watching a lot of that stuff, and they said, “We want to just kind of create this little pocket of adventures that we can have, allowing for these things to happen.” The truth of the matter is, you know, yes, you have pumpkins, but with the science and how we put it together, technically you can make that happen even in live-action, because it’s all science-based, right?

Netflix

So at the beginning of episode six, there’s a scientist who injects his formula into dead plant matter, which is Upside Down matter, and brings those to life. So the creature is made of that, and then it allows the spores to circulate throughout Hawkins. That lands in a pumpkin field. It could have landed on anything organic, and it would have brought that thing to life. The fact that it landed in those pumpkins at Eugene’s farm was very Stranger Things specific. It allows for those Demogorgon-type creatures to exist. So yes, the fact that it’s something we can do in animation and make it really extreme is super fun for us. But technically, the science behind that would also work in live-action. But because they are a lot more grounded in that world, this allows us to have fun with what we can do with the series.

You pared down the epic cast of Stranger Things to focus almost entirely on the Hawkins AV Club kids. Was there ever a consideration to include the rest of the cast in a bigger way? Or was just focusing on the kids always the plan?

Netflix

Robles: You want a real inside scoop on this? Ok, you’re gonna be the first one to get this. Originally, we started writing the show to be a lot more like the live-action series, believe it or not. We had Hopper involved in the story of a missing kid, which was Jeff. He was just off the board, and that really triggered this Hopper story. And then we started splitting the stories, as the live-action show does. You have the adults’ story, with Hopper into an investigation, and the kids kind of on their own journey. And eventually it would all come back together. But then we started seeing how it became very serious and very much like the live-action show. And it just went against what we were thinking of doing originally. Something which was more like the fun adventures, with a focus on just the kid adventures themselves.

RELATED ARTICLE

STRANGER THINGS: TALES FROM ’85 Ending, Explained

As a Latino creator, how important was it for you to include characters like Rosario? And was there a push from your end to give her a bigger role in the series?

Robles: I was looking at the cast as a whole, and being a Latino myself, that’s when I said, “You know what, why don’t we incorporate this girl Rosario to be part of the story as well.” Yes, it was a character that we could have had any ethnicity for, right? We needed an antagonist there, someone who eventually becomes infected and creates the pumpkin queen. But ultimately, when it came down to it, I just wanted to throw a little more diversity into Hawkins. Just to see who else we can put in there. So I decided to put Rosario as part of it.

Netflix

This series covers the early winter of 1985. But the third season of the live-action show begins in the summer. Do you feel there’s room for another story set in the spring?

Robles: Season one of the flagship show, it doesn’t take place over a month. It’s literally like a week and a half or something like this, right? It’s not a lot of time. And if you look at our show as well, and you look at the dates, it literally is also the same, very similar timeline. And we start in January, right, which gives you technically February, March, April, May, June, until you get to July. So if you wanted to keep telling stories, even within the scope that we have, we have plenty of time to continue these stories within the timeline that we currently have.

Stranger Things: Tales from ’85, season one is now streaming on Netflix.

The post STRANGER THINGS: TALES FROM ’85 Creator Talks Hopper’s Cut Role appeared first on Nerdist.

Daredevil: Born Again season two is moving along and things were interesting from the first episode. It was six months past the first season’s finale, and NYC is different. Matt and Karen are living in seclusion and still trying to take down Fisk. A few old faces pop up in season two’s first episode, but there is one new character who intrigues us deeply… and makes us laugh. That’s Matthew Lillard’s Mr. Charles. But who is Mr. Charles in Daredevil: Born Again season two and how does he connect to our heroes? Let’s explore what goes down with him.

RELATED ARTICLE

Matthew Lillard Says Mr. Charles Is a ‘Kingmaker’ in DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN

Through a mysterious source, Karen discovers that Fisk is using the port for smuggling weapons. Daredevil locates them on a vessel called the Northern Star, but things go awry quickly. The ship’s captain and first mate are advised to flood the ship should someone interfere, and that’s what they do. Of course, Daredevil makes it off the vessel in time but now the Mayor’s office has to deal with a half-sunk ship. 

We meet Mr. Charles, who is in DC, as he takes a phone call about all of the mess that’s gone down. He shows up during a tense meeting that Fisk’s office is having with the Attorney General, who wants to have some oversight over Fisk’s policies. He particularly mentions the “safer streets” initiative, calling it aggressive. Mr. Charles pops in very casually wearing a plaid shirt and scarfing down a gyro. He claims to be from Langley and it is clear that he knows Fisk.

JoJo Whilden/Marvel Television

The Attorney General tries to berate him, but that doesn’t go on for long. The Attorney General’s  phone rings and Mr. Charles tells him to answer it. Whoever is on the other line quickly changes the AG’s tune, who says that Fisk will have his full support on vigilantism and safer streets policies. Meanwhile, Fisk tells his right hand man Buck to find the ship’s captain and first mate to ensure that no strings are left open. The Anti Vigilante Task Force finds them, killing the captain but allowing the first mate, Christoffi, to escape. 

Later on, Mr. Charles has dinner with Fisk and his wife Vanessa, who finds Charles to be off-putting and annoying. (She’s not wrong.) Fisk calls out Mr. Charles for his grandstanding in his office, while Charles says it is divine intervention. We learn that whomever Charles works for are grateful for using Fisk’s port but that things are messed up. He says his job is logistics and that it is necessary to move all the cargo without anyone knowing it. Charles’ plan is a dark one involving hiring some sailors to do it because they will be easy to discard and kill so nothing traces back to either of them. Way harsh, Mr. Charles. It is now clearer that he is indeed a power player in the CIA.

We don’t see Mr. Charles again until episode four. It’s after Fisk had the Anti Vigilante Task Force blow up the Northern Star following Daredevil’s successful attack. Mr. Charles wants to know why there’s a delay in moving the weapons to Guinea-Bissau, and Fisk tells him to basically chill out. Mr. Charles questions if Fisk can hold up his end of the bargain, and rightfully so.

RELATED ARTICLE

DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN Delivers Another Shocking Departure

So, in episode 6, Charles goes to Governor McCaffrey, who absolutely doesn’t want to partner with nor support Fisk following Vanessa’s death, and says he will help her boot him from office. He also sends men to attack Jessica Jones, who is living in solitude with her daughter Danielle, because she didn’t want to work for him. In episode 7, Jones confronts Charles about the attack and he reveals that her man Luke Cage is working for the CIA overseas, which causes her to back off a bit. Charles does the right thing by tipping off Jessica about Fisk’s plans to take out the Governor, which allows Daredevil to make a deal with Bullseye to protect her.

Could this mean that Mr. Charles is perhaps flipping to the good side? Or is he just looking out for himself and determined to stick it to Fisk? We will see what happens in the finale.

Originally published on March 24, 2026.

The post Who Is Mr. Charles in DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN Season 2? appeared first on Nerdist.