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That’s a wrap for the student body of Godolkin University. In news that may be shocking to fans, Prime Video has canceled Gen V, its spin-off series from The Boys. The news comes in a report from Variety. Executive producers Eric Kripke and Evan Goldberg said of the cancellation, “While we wish we could keep the party going another season at Godolkin, we’re committed to continuing the Gen V characters’ stories in The Boys Season 5 and other VCU projects on the horizon. You’ll see them again.” Some of the Gen V characters have already appeared in The Boys‘ final season, with more sure to come before it’s over. Prime Video

The first season of Gen V premiered to great streaming numbers back in 2023. But it only cracked the top ten of streaming shows again one time in season two, which probably spooked Prime Video. Especially as it’s not a cheap show for them to produce. And much of the appeal of Gen V was that it informed The Boys’ overall narrative in a significant way. But with the flagship series ending this season, Amazon Prime probably wondered if Gen V could sustain its viewership without the main series to feed into. The tragic death of actor Chance Perdomo, who played Andre Anderson in the show’s first season, may have been a factor in Gen V‘s cancellation as well. And so, alas, Gen V has been canceled before its third season.

Although Gen V is ending, the prequel series to The Boys called Vought Rising is apparently still happening. That series will focus on Soldier Boy (Jensen Ackles) and Stormfront (Aya Cash) back in the ’50s. With that show set decades before the events of The Boys, it probably can stand on its own much more. There’s also The Boys: Mexico, which Prime Video announced back in 2024. But it has been some time since we heard anything about that one. Hopefully, other projects resolve Gen V’s loose plot threads eventually.

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Uhoh. If you thought Ascended Astarion was painful to contend with, get ready for a brand new Baldur’s Gate 3 prequel novel, Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion… which will literally dive into Astarion’s darkest days. Gear up, Astarion fans, this novel is going to get into Astarion’s time in servitude to the vampire lord Cazador Szarr… Something that gave Astarion one of the most serious cases of trauma we’ve ever seen in fiction. Gulp. And to make it better/worse, Neil Newbon himself will narrate the audiobook for the Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion prequel novel. Here’s what we know.Larian Studios

A release from Random House Worlds shares, “Random House Worlds will publish Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion by award-winning, New York Times bestselling fantasy author T. Kingfisher on September 29, 2026. This prequel novel follows the beloved character Astarion during his time in servitude to the vampire lord Cazador Szarr in the years leading up to the events of the video game. Subsequent to its completion, Stephen Rooney, one of the senior writers of Baldur’s Gate 3, was consulted to ensure the novel’s authenticity within the game’s world and lore. The audiobook, published by Penguin Random House Audio, will be narrated by Neil Newbon, the acclaimed actor behind Astarion’s voice and PCAP [performance capture] in the game.” It seems you can pre-order the Astarion novel here.

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Yes, that Cazador Szarr. The one who carved up Astarion’s back and mentally and physically broke him every which way. We’re honestly not sure what this Baldur’s Gate 3 Astarion prequel novel will read like… But you can be sure we’ll be listening/reading it… Especially with the original voice actor for Astarion bringing it to life.

Baldur’s Gate 3: Astarion will release on September 29. Additionally, Random House Worlds will publish the following two Baldur’s Gate 3 titles:

Clarkson Potter will publish Baldur’s Gate 3: The Necromancy of Thay onJuly 21, 2026, a blank, grid-paper notebook that is a faithful reproduction of the Necromancy of Thay, an important quest item found in the game, featuring an embossed skull on the cover, foil stamping, and illustrated “clasps” to protect the book’s unholy content from prying eyes.

Ten Speed Press will publish The Official Baldur’s Gate 3 Coloring Book on August 11, 2026, illustrated by Jaki King, featuring 40 gorgeous black-and-white line drawings of characters, creatures, and settings from Baldur’s Gate 3. On November 3, 2026, Ten Speed Press will also publish A Feast for a Tenday: The Official Baldur’s Gate Cookbook by Andrew Wheeler,featuring 65 recipes organized by course and camp location, with dishes for sharing marked as Romanceable. The book will also have original chapter-opener illustrations and 45 photographs.

It just goes to show you, the adventure is never over. We’ll be busily enjoying these titles as we wait for the Baldur’s Gate 3 TV series to take shape.

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As a kid, finding a toy in your cereal was like striking gold. Plenty of us share memories of fixing our breakfast cereal and beaming with excitement as a fun little toy topples out of the box. It’s the same level of joy as getting a toy with your McDonald’s Happy Meal. Sadly, cereal boxes with toys inside of them haven’t been around for a long time. Thanks to Kellogg’s, the younger generation is about to experience that joy for the first time. The cereal brand announced on Thursday, April 23, that it’s bringing back toys to its cereal boxes to celebrate Toy Story 5.Check Your Cereal Boxes! Kellogg’s

It’s been more than a decade since toys have been in cereal boxes. Starting on April 27, cereal munchers in the U.S could be surprised to find an colorful plastic spoon floating amongst their flakes. Each spoon is inspired by characters from Toy Story 5. You could get a green Buzz, an orange Woody, or a red Jessie. The spoons will live in most Kellogg’s brand cereal boxes, including Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, and Corn Pops.

Other Kellogg’s cereals—such as Frosted Mini-Wheats, Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes, and Cocoa Loops—relish in the nostalgia, too. Throughout the campaign, each box will contain classic toys and promotional items celebrating Toy Story 5. Examples include toys, spoons, trading cards, and movie ticket promotions.

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“At Kellogg’s, there’s a real sense of childhood nostalgia tied to the moments families remember most, and breakfast is a big part of that,” said Laura Newman, VP Brand Marketing at Kellogg’s. “Bringing toys back inside the box reintroduces that sense of discovery through a simple, screen-free moment of play that parents can now share with their own kids. Collaborating with Toy Story 5, which explores the role of toys in a tech-driven world, made this moment even more meaningful.”

For Los Angeles locals, there’s another surprise in store. Kellogg’s is bringing a massive, interactive claw machine to the Grove on Sunday, May 24.

Watch the Official Trailer for Toy Story 5 Here:

Toy Story 5 ignites a battle between toys and technology. It paints a picture that is scarily accurate to our very own reality. It has been quite some time since we’ve gotten a new Toy Story movie, so it will be interesting to see how this one measures up. Toy Story 5 hits theaters on June 19.

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FX’s Alien: Earth just made a big move. Not to a new network or in-universe time period, but to a new base of production. The first season of creator Noah Hawley‘s prequel to the 1979 film shot in Thailand, which added a distinct tropical swelt. However, the production has just moved to London’s legendary Pinewood Studios for its forever home, for season two and beyond. Hawley spoke to Deadline about the process and reason behind the big move (guess what, it’s budget) as well as what he hopes for the future of the ambitious sci-fi series.FX

“What I can say is we start [shooting] this summer. We’re getting close,” Hawley told the publication. “I did a stage walk today past the props and costumes. Things are being built. It’s always exciting to see it. We had a great experience in Thailand, but for a couple of reasons London is a better home for us long-term.” The fact that London is less remote and offers a tax rebate might have something to do with it.

At any rate, for a series that aims to run long-term, a centralized filming spot does seem the most practical. Not to mention, Pinewood is where the first three Alien movies filmed, plus Prometheus, so the xenomorph acid blood has a history there. Hawley called the first season of Alien: Earth a “proof of concept” but that the move to England creates a “sustainable model.”

“It’s my hope – I have a place that I’m going, but I don’t know how long it will take me to get there,” Hawley said of the show’s future. “Assuming that the price of execution and the audience stays commensurate, we could go for as long as we want. If we nurture them, these franchises can give back for a very long time.”

Showtime/FX

Hawley also commented on the casting of Peter Dinklage for the next season. “Obviously, this franchise has a lot of iconic roles in it,” he said. “I am, for better or worse, an ensemble writer who has never met a character I didn’t like, but he’s got a major role, and people are going to feel it’s a worthy role for him.”

Unclear what that might mean, but we can see Dinklage fitting right in with the tech-corporate intrigue of Alien: Earth.

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

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Nickelodeon is responsible for giving us some pretty great cartoons, especially back in the early days. Spongebob, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Rugrats, CatDog, The Fairly OddParents, the list goes on and on. One throwback from the nineties follows the adventures of a well-intentioned wallaby named Rocko as he navigates the challenges of life. Mondo brings the lovable character and his friends to life. Here’s an exclusive look at Mondo’s limited edition figure set inspired by Nickelodeon’s Rocko’s Modern Life. Click To View Gallery Mondo Mondo Mondo Mondo Mondo Mondo Mondo Mondo Mondo Mondo Mondo Mondo

Mondo revealed the limited-edition set of Rocko’s Modern Life figures on Friday, April 24. It truly captures all the charm of the original cartoon. Included are five awesome figures so that you can collect the whole squad. The characters featured in the set are Rocko, his dog Spunky, his buds Heffer Wolfe and Filburt, and Filburt’s pet bird Turdy. This marks the first time the show has ever received high-end premium figures. The Rocko’s Modern Life Mondo collection has a limited release—only 1200 sets are available.

The limited-edition Rocko’s Modern Life figure set comes with multiple portraits and hands to help you set up your O-Town set just right. You can swap them out as you please, setting the scene with different expressions. Each set costs $160.

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Rocko’s Modern Life aired on Nickelodeon from 1993 to 1996. The nineties hit follows the satirical adventures of Rocko Rama, a wallaby from Australia. Taking his canine companion, Spunky, Rocko leaves his home and immigrates to the United States. He settles down in a strange place called O-Town. There, he juggles between a mundane life, annoying neighbors, and his eccentric pals, Heffer and Filburt. The show ran for four seasons and became an instant smash.

Step Into O-Town With Mondo’s Limited Edition Figure Set Mondo

Mondo’s Rocko’s Modern Life limited-edition figure set is available now while supplies last. You can bring the hit show to life by snagging your set on Mondo’s website.

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Jinkies! The Mystery Gang is back together and ready to solve more mysteries. Netflix announced the four faces set to play those meddling kids. Grab the Scooby Snacks and get your investigating caps on, ’cause we got some work to do now. Mckenna Grace, Tanner Hagen, Abby Ryder Fortson, and Maxwell Jenkins join the cast for Netflix’s live-action Scooby-Doo series. Cue the intro music.

Variety also reports that Paul Walter Hauser will star in this series as well in an undisclosed role. He is a series regular, so don’t expect him to just be the villain of the episode. The series now has an official title, Scooby-Doo: Origins, and began production in Atlanta in April 2026.

Warner Bros. Animation

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Scooby-Doo is as beloved as they come. What started as a cartoon about four mystery-solving teenagers and their lovable dog grew into an empire Toys, snacks, crossovers, a string of live-action movies, and several more cartoons followed. The first movie came in 2002, casting Sarah Michelle Gellar as Daphne, Linda Cardellini as Velma, Matthew Lillard as Shaggy, and Freddie Prinze Jr. as Fred. The four remain inseparable from those roles even today. That leaves some pretty big shoes to fill for the four newcomers.

Netflix

Netflix announced the cast for the new series on March 18. Mckenna Grace is Daphne Blake, Tanner Hagen is Shaggy Rogers, Abby Ryder Fortson is Velma Dinkley, and Maxwell Jenkins is Fred Jones. Here is Netflix’s official synopsis for the upcoming series:

“A modern reimagining of the iconic mystery-solving group of teens and their very special dog. During their final summer at camp, old friends Shaggy and Daphne get embroiled in a haunting mystery surrounding a lonely lost Great Dane puppy that may have been a witness to a supernatural murder. Together with the pragmatic and scientific townie, Velma, and the strange, but ever so handsome new kid, Freddy, they set out to solve the case that is pulling each of them into a creepy nightmare that threatens to expose all of their secrets.”

Where Do I Know Netflix’s Live-Action Scooby-Doo: Origins Cast From? Prime Video/Paramount Pictures/Netflix/Blink&Miss Productions

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The newest names attached to the pop culture powerhouse are all young actors, but you may recognize them from this or that. Maxwell Jenkins played Will Robinson in Netflix’s Lost in Space and more recently starred alongside Kevin Bacon in The Bondsman. Tanner Hagen appeared in an episode of The Pitt. Abby Ryder Fortson (also in an episode of The Pitt) is most famous for her leading role in Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.

Finally, Mckenna Grace is in… well, honestly everything. She’s probably one of the most famous child actors of our (my) generation. Most recently, she was in Scream 7, Regretting You, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, and will play a role in The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.

Warner Bros. Animation

Netflix’s live-action Scooby Doo series is in collaboration with Warner Bros. Television. Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenber will be its showrunners and executive producers. While we may never be able to separate the original cast from their iconic roles, it’ll be exciting to see a new take on the classic. All we need now is a Scooby-Doo reveal. Filming is slated to begin soon.

Originally published on March 19, 2026.

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The long-running crime series Murder, She Wrote is getting its own modern-day reboot. Although the show might fall slightly outside of my generation, it’s a classic for the ’80s and ’90s kids out there. What’s not to love about a charismatic writer/detective who uncovers crime in the murder capital of the country? Jamie Lee Curtis confirmed in an interview with Entertainment Tonight over the summer that she would star in the upcoming project. Now, Universal Pictures reveals when the film hits the silver screen. Murder, She Wrote opens in theaters on February 4, 2028, which is a delay from its original December 22, 2027 release date. CBS/Sony Pictures

Curtis steps into the shoes of tenacious crime writer and amateur sleuth Jessica Fletcher. The character is famously played by Angela Lansbury in the original series, which ran from 1984 to 1996. Universal Pictures picks up the big screen reboot, with Pitch Perfect director Jason Moore at the wheel. There aren’t many details out yet about what the story will be like, but I’m sure little nuggets will follow soon.

Curtis dropped the news of her involvement last July during a red carpet interview for Freakier Friday. “We’re a minute away. But very excited. Very excited,” she told Entertainment Tonight. “But I’m tamping down my enthusiasm until we start shooting. I have a couple other things to hustle and then I’ll get to enjoy that work.”

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We are a minute away, indeed. The slated release date for this project is nearly two years away. The film likely moved its release date to not compete with blockbusters such as Avengers: Secret Wars and The Lord of the Rings: Hunt for Gollum, both of which hit theaters in December 2027.

Disney

Moore brings Amy Pascal, Phil Lord, and Christopher Miller on board to produce the reboot for the beloved crime drama. Pascal, Lord, and Miller most recently collaborated on Project Hail Mary, a spectacular film that’s currently dominating theaters everywhere. Curtis definitely fits the bill for a top-notch sleuth, and we can wait to see more.

Once again, Murder, She Wrote opens in theaters on February 4, 2028.

Originally published on March 26, 2026.

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The MCU as we know it owes a very large debt to director Jon Favreau. The actor/director turned Robert Downey, Jr.’s version of Tony Stark into a household name with the first Iron Man movie back in 2008, which launched the MCU. Perhaps because of his attachment to the character of Tony Stark, we’ve now learned that Favreau was very against the character’s death in Avengers: Endgame. So much so, that he begged Endgame directors, the Russo Brothers, not to go through with it. But in hindsight, he now admits he was wrong. Via Variety, here’s what he told Jimmy Kimmel about his strong reservations about Iron Man’s noble sacrifice:

I called the Russos. I was like, ‘I don’t know about — I don’t think people — I don’t know if people are going to like — I don’t know! I think it’s going to really impact people because there they were kids that grew up with that character. But I have to tell you, it was handled so well by them. And Gwyneth [Paltrow] and Robert [Downey Jr.] did such a wonderful job acting, and I think it added a poignancy to it. I think they did a wonderful job. I was wrong. I was wrong. I was choked up! Even though it’s a movie, those characters have been part of my life for so long.

Marvel Studios

Tony’s death in Endgame gave the movie the right dose of gravitas, elevating it above the average blockbuster. Because of Tony’s beloved status, the loss felt massive. So we’re glad Favreau can see that now. But also, we get it. After all, Iron Man catapulted Jon Favreau to A-list director status, and he returned to direct Iron Man 2.

He didn’t direct the third film, but he continued to play Happy Hogan in the MCU Spider-Man films. And he came back as Happy as recently as Deadpool & Wolverine. So his connection to the world Iron Man opened up for him is strong. But while Tony Stark (at least the one from the Sacred Timeline) may remain dead, Robert Downey, Jr. will return soon as Doctor Doom. In the Multiverse, no one is ever really gone. They’re just on a break.

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Ever since The Vampire Lestat’s cover of Billy Idol’s “Dancing with Myself” released into the world in the incredible trailer for The Vampire Lestat, The Vampire Lestat’s loyal fans, the Fledglings, have been absolutely CLAMORING for the full version of the cover. And now, we are happy to announce that you can indeed stream The Vampire Lestat’s version of “Dancing with Myself” via all of the rock star’s artist profile pages. And yes, it is worth your four minutes. Excuse you if you even questioned that. And even if you have heard many versions of “Dancing with Myself” before, you’ve never heard The Vampire Lestat‘s version, honey. And it is a rocking good time.AMC

The Vampire Lestat himself couldn’t be reached for any type of comment about this song today. Perhaps he has grown tired of hurling insults at Daniel Hart. But we bet if we could get a quote from him about his cover of “Dancing with Myself, Lestat would say, “This is just a joyful homage to an icon, darling.” He probably wouldn’t get into how desperately lonely he himself is and how, even though he’s constantly adored, he feels like he’s dancing with himself. Could it also be a certain other Vampire’s pointed disinterest that has got Lestat down? “Never,” Lestat might declare. But we know he wishes Louis would say nice things about his music.

We, ourselves, are obsessed with The Vampire Lestat’s cover of “Dancing with Myself.” It just puts us in a good mood. It makes us want to dance. And we love the juxtaposition of that with the angst behind the music. True Lestat. Listening to this rock ‘n roll cover of “Dancing with Myself” is like revving up a really fast car and zooming off. We literally feel the wind in our hair. And we love when the beat breaks down toward the end.

Do yourself a favor and press play, like with all of The Vampire Lestat‘s music, you won’t regret.

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The Vampire Lestat debuts on Sunday, June 7, on AMC and AMC+. The synopsis for the season shares, “In the new rock and roll centric 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.“

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One of the most iconic vampire movies of the ’80s, and of the most iconic ’80s movies, period, is Joel Schumacher’s The Lost Boys. The perfect blend of horror, comedy, and hair product, the film also had a killer soundtrack, emblematic of the MTV era. So it makes sense that forty years later, it would find new life as a musical on Broadway. The stage adaptation comes from two-time Tony-winning director Michael Arden (Maybe Happy Ending) and the equally Tony-winning set designer Dane Laffrey (Parade), who have been working together since their college days. Nerdist got the chance to chat with both creatives on the eve of The Lost Boys‘ big Broadway premiere. Matthew Murphy

NERDIST: Michael, you have an incredible resume for directing theater, and you just recently won a Tony. You probably could have done anything as your next project. So, given the infamous track record of vampire musicals in the past thirty years or so, what made you say, “I’m gonna be the one to do it right!”

MICHAEL ARDEN: I think it was just about the tone of the thing. It’s got something for everybody. I mean, it never takes itself too seriously. It has gothic themes, but it also has high comedy. And ultimately, it’s about a family and young people searching for belonging more so than about vampirism. So I thought that could be something that really sang. We’ll see if we can escape the curse!

What’s your relationship with the original 1987 Joel Schumacher movie? And was there a particular scene that stood out to you in the film that made you say, “I see this as a musical?” Or was it the whole thing?

DANE LAFFREY: Fascinatingly, neither of us had seen it when we were approached about it, and we had missed it. It was just not a film that either of us had seen. So, I think we confronted it first, not as “Oh, we’ve known and loved this for years and years.” It was more about, well, “What could this be? Does this have the inherent ingredients that could lend itself to successfully existing in this form?”

Matthew Murphy

Because I think what’s important with any of the conversations about the movie-to-musical pipeline is not just can we successfully present a version of this film, but can we actually elevate this material? Can the musicalization of it become greater than the sum of its parts somehow? Because otherwise, I think just go watch the movie. It’s a great and beloved film, and I think we wanted to investigate how it could be elevated, made to feel timeless and relevant. And the film is 40 years old at this point. But it felt like it had all of the potential. It was ripe with potential for all the reasons Michael just said.

Every Broadway show has a breakout song. So, in both your opinions, which one do you see as being that for Lost Boys?

ARDEN: Oh my gosh. I think there are so many. I mean, we’re talking about my favorite band’s music, so that’s a hard one for me. But I would say “Belong to Someone” is an incredible tune that I think will be around for a really long time. I think “Superpower” is an incredible anthem. I think “Wild” is an amazing song. And I think “If We Make It Through the Night” is an amazing song, and “Now Forever” is classic musical theater. I don’t know. Those are a few of my faves, but it’s hard. Yeah, it’s an embarrassment of riches. It’s been really interesting in this process to be confronted with so much good music as we’ve streamlined the show, making it tighter, better, and shorter. And it’s been interesting because there were no stinkers, just good stuff, which is a significant problem to have.

Matthew Murphy

The original The Lost Boys is both horror and comedy. How did you strike that balance for a totally different avenue of telling this particular story?

ARDEN: I think it’s just about walking that tightrope. You have to play both very honestly. Great humor is played with incredible seriousness, you know what I mean? As horror has to have the same musicality as comedy in some ways. So it’s always making sure that one doesn’t outweigh the other, so that it’s like a good rollercoaster is only good when you do the drop, because you do the climb. So it feels a little like a rollercoaster ride. When do we need to surprise? Horror is about surprise, but so is comedy. So in many ways, they abide by the same rules.

You have a former Elphaba in Shoshana Bean as family matriarch Lucy Emerson. What did having her pedigree in the cast bring to this production for you?

ARDEN: Well, Shoshana has been a friend for a really long time, and somebody who I’ve also just adored on stage and in concert. And to have her be a part of this as the matriarch of this family is just a real treat for me. Having known her when we were at the age to play the ingenues, and now to see her take on this role, and to lead a company with such grace, and to command the stage as she does. There’s no better match of voice and music. It’s really exciting. And I’m really excited for people to see her be funny, and also do incredibly complex, dramatic work. And then also sing as nobody else can. World-class.

The Lost Boys Musical

The titular Lost Boys and the Santa Carla kids are largely unknowns. Was it important for you to have fresh faces in these roles? Or did it just work out that way while casting these parts?

ARDEN: For me, I thought with this, the show wanted to be the star, but also, this was hopefully a show that could make stars. And so really the only thing that we were looking for was the best, most talented people for the role. That was our guiding principle throughout casting. And we took a long time to cast the show, and I think we found the perfect group of people. They’re not only incredibly talented, but also wonderful human beings and generous. Hopefully, there’ll be household names soon. It’s like I hope people are going to leave discovering the actor, but remembering the character because of what they’re doing, which is the greatest compliment I can give them.

The Santa Carla Boardwalk is almost a character in the film. How did you translate that within the limitations of a stage production?

LAFFREY: I mean, I think it’s an enormous challenge for sure. Not only because, as you say, but it’s super iconic, and it’s sweeping and huge. But also because the production is not solely set there. It is a mode that the space needs to be able to take on. And I think what we’ve had to do is to just handle it with the greatest degree of specificity that we could. So the sort of fewest number of details communicating the most information, and the most visual bang for the buck spatially. So we conjure the boardwalk in the same way we do any of the other things. With elements that redefine a larger container.

Matthew Murphy

The biggest change that I can gather for your version is that the Lost Boys are a rock band and not a biker gang. Was that one of the first ideas you had when translating the film to the stage?

ARDEN: Well, they’re both. They’re both a rock group and a biker gang. Yeah, actually, it was one of our first ideas. I mean, it’s like what’s a way in a musical for vampires to cast their spell? And it seemed like obviously singing, which they sing both in choral ways, but they are also a rock band. And so we have these musicians, actors, singers, stuntmen, and flyers who play these parts. We just thought that that could be an extension of the musical metaphor, that we could use music as a storytelling, a diegetic storytelling device in this. And I think it’s pretty fun. I mean, who doesn’t want the Lost Boys to be their favorite band? What’s hotter than a rockstar?

When it came to designing the show, how did you keep it looking authentically ‘80s, as opposed to an ’80s-themed, Spirit Halloween party?”

ARDEN: I think it’s the same with the tone of both the horror and the comedy. It’s about honesty without fetishism. Yeah. It’s not like fetishizing the ’80s or making fun of the ’80s. It’s showing its most authentic and sexy version.

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LAFFREY: And a lot of the work is about a layering of periods that we find ourselves in 1987, but that boardwalk was built at the turn of the century and has been added to. But there’s some extraordinary research from the 30s and 40s of what that place looked like, and then what it looked like when the film was shot, and also what it looks like now and how that has happened. And that’s been something we’ve been very interested in. And there’s not a lot that we’re doing in terms of the environment that feels like on the head 80s.

Matthew Murphy

I read that the Sam Emerson character is perhaps queer in this version. Obviously, in the movie, he has that sexy Rob Lowe poster in his room. So you didn’t pull that out of thin air. Was that the genesis of Sam possibly being gay in your version?

ARDEN: I wouldn’t necessarily say that Sam Emerson is queer. He examines what the word “queer” means in the show, and looks at how that word has been used throughout the decades. And so he has a line in “Superpower,” which will be a spoiler: “Mom smiles, but doesn’t get me/Michael can’t protect me/but maybe I can be a hero here/make it cool to be queer.” Because his mom says, “Well, everybody here is a little bit queer, aren’t they?” And he picks that up in terms of being able to put things together, and his idiosyncrasies are actually what saves the day. And so it’s kind of a celebration of queerness that hopefully resonates with a modern audience on a different level than it would to somebody in 1987. And who knows? Sam might have grown up to be queer, but that’s not really what our show is about.

Speaking of queer themes, in the movie, there’s definite sexual tension between Michael and David. It almost feels like the character of Star is just there to “No Homo” the vibes. How did you give Star more agency and characterization for the stage version?

Matthew Murphy

ARDEN: We wanted to make sure we knew where she was coming from and what her dilemma was, trapped between two worlds. Also, giving voice to women of that time, and anyone now, who has felt trapped. She has a song called “War” where she dissects that. And we wanted to give her an integral part in saving the day because — spoiler alert — the women save the day as much as the men. And that was really important to us, especially when half our writing team is female. Also, Alan Frog, one of the Frog Brothers, is played by an incredible actor named Jennifer Duka, who wants to join the army and uses her last name, Alan. So we wanted to open up the idea of brotherhood as not just specifically for boys, but about a shared interest in a common direction.

What’s been your most unexpected joy in bringing The Lost Boys to life on stage in this way?

ARDEN: For me, it’s been seeing eight-year-olds and 80-year-olds attend, and both be delighted. And I love asking people, “Oh, do you have a favorite character?” And they’re all different. I think the fact that it’s such a diverse audience and they’re all having a blast together is exactly what I hoped to make, and that everyone has someone to identify with. That’s why we go to the theater. So we can see ourselves, and that so many different people can come, so that families can come see this, so that you can be obsessed with the movie and have vampire teeth installed, and come and love it. And you can also be a mom who just wants a fun time out with your kids. Because the more people we can get to come to the theater, I think the more we can hopefully create empathy in the world.

The Lost Boys Musical

Finally, to whichever one of you dares to answer: does the iconic sexy, shirtless, oiled-up saxophone guy get a nod in the stage production?

LAFFREY: More than a nod! [laughs]

AREDEN: Get ready. There was certainly baby oil in the budget.

—

The Lost Boys musical is now playing at the Palace Theater on Broadway. You can purchase tickets at the show’s official website.

The post The Minds Behind THE LOST BOYS Talk Musical ’80s Vampires appeared first on Nerdist.

In his previous two movies—2020’s Caveat and 2024’s Oddity—Irish filmmaker Damian McCarthy has proved himself horror’s biggest proponent of cursed objects and haunted places. His dark fairy tale-style of storytelling weaves together oddball characters, shady criminal mysteries, supernatural comeuppance, and big, bulgy eyeballs. I, for one, love all this stuff. McCarthy’s new movie, Hokum, takes and refines all of these elements, with a clearly bigger scale which includes a Hollywood star, Adam Scott. The result has more shine but no less macabre, ghostly fun.

NEON

Both Caveat and Oddity took place in houses, each with their own vibe of creepiness. Hokum moves the action to a rural hotel which is both bigger and more ornate than you’d expect and rundown and behind the times. It has the feel of a smaller Irish Overlook Hotel, but one with people actually there. McCarthy’s horrors are at once familiar and inexplicable, common yet unknowable, and always a mix of the eldritch and the everyday. And boy, let me tell you, Hokum has some absolute top-tier, A-level scare moments.

In Hokum, Scott plays a horror writer named Ohm Bauman. He’s a fairly miserable man who lives alone and is a dick to everyone. When he hits a bit of a wall with his latest book, he decides to travel to Ireland to spread his parents’ ashes at the very hotel at which they spent their honeymoon. Bauman “endears” himself to members of the staff, especially bartender Fiona (Florence Ordesh), and meets the drug-using drifter Jerry (David Wilmot) who lives in a campervan out in the woods.

The hotel, however, has more than few secrets. The owner and management have locked and chained the honeymoon suite, owing to their belief that the ghost of a witch haunts it. You get things like that in Irish folklore. Some, like Jerry, fully believe in such tales. When members of the hotel staff start disappearing, Bauman and Jerry decide they need to get inside the honeymoon suite and face whatever dark nightmares might reside.

NEON

Hokum is, first and foremost, a blast. I had such a good time, even as I was tensing up and jumping at the various scares. McCarthy does a terrific job of keeping the audience on their toes in terms of what kind of scare will hit them next. Hit plots are often a bit too twisty for their own good, and that is true here, but the main throughline, coupled with the gorgeously grim setting and variety of scary stuff, makes up for any narrative bagginess. That really is my major complaint, and luckily, it doesn’t spoil the movie.

Adam Scott is one of my favorite actors working today. Through roles in Parks and Rec and Severance, he’s a hero I feel I can always root for. But let us not forget what a perfect asshole he can play, as he did for so many years earlier in his career. He brings a lot of that to play Ohm Bauman, especially in the first half. Just an absolute piece of crap to most of the people he meets. But, naturally, as the movie goes on and we spend more time with him, we get a small window into why he is the way he is.

Hokum once again exemplifies McCarthy’s ability to create mood and atmosphere through the geography of the setting. The hotel feels lived-in, each room and corridor has its own distinct look. The honeymoon suite is basically a haunted house within a haunted house. I have to wonder if McCarthy had a particular place in mind when writing the script and tried to replicate it with the set. Or, did he tailor the scares to the set once it was built? Either way, it’s such a triumph. One specific scare is one of the best I’ve seen in years. McCarthy always gives us at least one banger per movie, and he sure did it here.

NEON

I love it when a voice in horror grows without changing their ethos. Getting NEON on board, plus a Hollywood star, doesn’t make Hokum any less Irish or any less weird. Ghosts, witches, and an effed-up, bug-eyed donkey man. I loved it all. Like the best haunted houses, this one gives you plenty of chills while you can’t help smiling.

⭐ (4 of 5)

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

The post HOKUM Is a Delightfully Chilly Haunted Hotel Flick (Review) appeared first on Nerdist.

It’s really not a good time for iconic female characters from the ’90s to make a comeback, is it? First, Hulu canceled its much-anticipated Buffy the Vampire Slayer revival, much to the anger of loyal fans. Now, it seems that Alicia Silverstone sadly won’t be returning as Cher Horowitz in a streaming series revival of Clueless. Peacock has stopped development on its revival of Clueless, deciding against moving forward with the project. Former Gossip Girl creators Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, along with Dollface creator Jordan Weiss, were producing this new version. Clueless IP owner Paramount and CBS Studios will apparently shop the series elsewhere.Paramount Pictures

The original Clueless was one of the most era-defining movies of the ’90s, with everything from the lingo to the clothes penetrating pop culture. It put Paul Rudd on the map as an actor, not to mention Donald Faison and the late Brittany Murphy. So anticipation was high to see where the brilliant but ditzy Cher would end up as an adult. But, it seems Peacock simply lost interest. Over the last year, several high-profile projects with iconic ’90s female leads have been announced, then scrapped. Last month it was Buffy, now it’s Clueless. There was also a Melrose Place revival announced, focusing on the original show’s women. But that one is probably quietly canceled, too.

The message here, intentional or not, is that Hollywood doesn’t really want to see ladies who were sex symbols in their youth as older adult women and possibly mothers. After all, Dexter, Scrubs, and several other shows from the past have come back to big ratings, but they all focused on male leads. We’re not nuts to sense a pattern here. Hopefully, another streamer takes an interest in Clueless. Hopefully, someone at one of these streamers will realize that life doesn’t end at forty for the likes of Buffy Summers or Cher Horowitz. As if.

The post The CLUELESS Revival Series Is Canceled at Peacock appeared first on Nerdist.

Serious question. Is there anyone in the world who doesn’t like Shrek? The loveable green ogre has WITHSTOOD the test of time and become one of the most loveable fixtures of animation. And, of course, there’s that old saying, “Ogres are like LEGO sets, they’re made up of many pieces.” Oh, is that not it? Well, it is today because the first-ever Shrek LEGO sets have arrived. And we’re thinking, “Where have you been all my life?” To our TOTAL delight, LEGO even decided to introduce them via a… LEGO Shrek dance party?! We are outraged by this level of awesome. Let’s dive into the LEGO Shrek sets below. View this post on Instagram

A post shared by LEGO (@lego)

TWO LEGO Shrek Sets Have Landed

Not one, but TWO LEGO Shrek sets are officially available for pre-order. Naturally, LEGO has thought of everything and created a detailed set for the adult-Shrek lovers in the room. (Yes, you, I see you.) And one more geared toward children. But we have to say that one is SO cute, we can barely resist it ourselves. Cute Shrek, who knew! Let’s take a look at the details of these two new Shrek LEGO sets.

LEGO Shrek, Donkey & Puss in Boots Posable Display Set

It’s time to head to the swamp. LEGO shares, “Adult fans can reminisce on 25-years of Shrek with the detailed LEGO Shrek, Donkey & Puss in Boots posable display set for ages 18+. Featuring brick-built Shrek and Donkey, plus a Puss in Boots minifigure, this set is on a swamp base with the classic “Beware Ogre!” sign. Other nods to the film include sunflowers, an onion, and a blue flower with red thorns. Discover hidden Easter eggs tucked inside Shrek’s gut for an extra layer of fun.”

LEGO

We couldn’t have a Shrek LEGO set without a LEGO onion! What are we, amatures? It’s hard to believe that Shrek is 25 years old now. But this Shrek LEGO set will bring back all the magic of the original, combining nostalgia with bricks in the perfect way. Who doesn’t love a LEGO swamp? Or a LEGO flying, talking Donkey? … Or, we guess… looking into Shrek’s LEGO stomach?! Why not…

Click To View Gallery LEGO LEGO LEGO LEGO LEGO Shrek: Shrek, Donkey & Puss in Boots Details

• Age: 18+
• SRP: €119.99 / $129.99 / £109.99
• Pieces: 1,403
• Product No.: 72423
• Dimensions: Measures over 9.5 in. (24 cm) high, 8.5 in. (21 cm) wide and 6 in. (16 cm) deep
• Available: June 1, 2026
• Purchase Link: https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/shrek-donkey-puss-in-boots-72423

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Shrek Looks Scary in This Original Film Test Footage From 1995LEGO BrickHeadz™ Shrek: Shrek, Donkey, and GingyLEGO

But we can’t leave those who are newly discovering Shrek out of the fun! LEGO BrickHeadz Shrek set is designed for younger builders and features adorable renditions of Shrek, Donkey and Gingy. So adorable that we know older builders will seek them out too. A release shares, “LEGO BrickHeadz are stylized, brick-built collectible figures, known for their distinctive square-headed design. Packed with playful details from Shrek’s signature ears and Donkey’s cheeky smile to Gingy’s icing buttons, the set also features a “Beware Ogre” sign inspired by Shrek’s iconic swamp.”

LEGOLEGO BrickHeadz Shrek Details

• Age: 10+
• SRP: €24.99 / $24.99 / £21.99
• Pieces: 260
• Product No.: 40923
• Dimensions: Shrek standing over 3 in. (8 cm) tall, Donkey standing over 3 in. (7 cm) tall and Gingy standing over 2 in. (5 cm) tall
• Available: June 1, 2026
• Purchase Link: https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/shrek-donkey-gingy-figures-40923

More About LEGO’s Shrek Collaboration

Raquel Ojeda, Creative Lead from the LEGO Group reveals about this new collaboration, “Shrek has always celebrated imagination, friendship, and a little bit of mischief, which are values that translate perfectly into LEGO play. We’re ogre the moon to partner with this beloved universe and see how fans build their own fairy-tale adventures. This is just the beginning, so keep your eyes peeled for lots more LEGO Shrek magic!”

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Meanwhile, Rafa Macias, Global Commercial Officer, Consumer Products, Games & Digital at Universal Products & Experiences offers, “Partnering with the LEGO Group to introduce Shrek in LEGO brick form marks an exciting moment as we celebrate the franchise’s 25th anniversary,” said “These sets bring Far Far Away to life with innovative design, fun Easter eggs for fans to discover, and storytelling– honoring the legacy that has made Shrek a cultural icon and inviting fans back to the swamp where it all began.”

When Will the LEGO Shrek Sets Be Available to Buy?

The new LEGO Shrek sets will be available for pre-order starting today, and available to purchase in LEGO retail stores worldwide, and on LEGO.com, starting June 1st. 

The post SHREK LEGO Sets: Where Have You Been All My Life? appeared first on Nerdist.

In episode six of Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord, “Night of the Hunted,” the show’s creators have officially teased one of the battles fans have always wanted to see most, but for years thought impossible. We’re talking about Maul vs. Darth Vader, the battle royale of the apprentice Sith Lords. Well, the battle royal of the current Sith Lord and the former holder of the title “Darth.” And we’ll explain how this is now almost guaranteed to take place on Maul-Shadow Lord, and hopefully, very soon.

Lucasfilm

In episode six, the Empire has arrived on the planet Janix looking for Maul (Sam Witwer). The former apprentice of Darth Sidious, he’s a loose end the Emperor wants off the map. He’s dispatched one of his Inquisitors along with the Imperial forces on Janix, to find Maul and end him. Although the Inquisitors’ main objective is to kill any remaining Jedi Knights who survived Order 66, Maul also falls under their purview. In episode six, the Inquisitor known as the First Brother/Marrok engages Maul in a deadly lightsaber duel, but Maul gets away. The episode ends with the First Brother speaking to a shadowy hologram he calls “My Lord,” asking how to proceed with the Maul situation.

Lucasfilm

Some may speculate that the person the First Brother is speaking to is Emperor Palpatine himself. After all, it was Palpatine who issued Order 66 in Revenge of the Sith. But the Sith Lord who Sidious actually tasked with overseeing the Inquisitors is actually Darth Vader. We saw this in both Star Wars Rebels and Obi-Wan Kenobi. We don’t think the First Brother would go over Vader’s head and go straight to the Emperor. Besides, he’s rather busy with despot business. Alternately, the Grand Inquisitor would not likely get referred to as “My lord.” No, we are fairly certain the other caller on the line in this scene is Darth Vader. And while Vader might trust his Inquisitors to take on random Jedi survivors, to take down Maul may require another Sith Lord.

Lucasfilm

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Since The Phantom Menace ended with the apparent death of Maul, for years, fans thought a Maul vs. Vader fight was only possible in the realm of fan fiction. But once The Clone Wars resurrected Maul, it was at least possible. Especially since Maul survived the events of the series’ ending. In Rebels, we very nearly got a fight between Maul and Vader, in the episode “Twilight of the Apprentice.” This occurred when Vader went to the planet Malachor, home of an ancient Sith weapon. Maul was there too, but he scrambled away rather than face Vader. In fact, his obvious fear suggests he had faced the former Anakin Skywalker before. An event he likely barely survived, and didn’t want to repeat.

Lucasfilm

We know from the aforementioned Rebels (as well as Solo) that if Vader and Maul do indeed have a dark side lightsaber duel, both warriors walk away from it alive. But that doesn’t mean fans aren’t going to get a duel for the ages when it does happen, however. One that might even rival “The Duel of the Fates,” or the legendary battle of Obi-Wan and Anakin. A duel between Darth Vader and (former Darth) Maul has been something Star Wars fans have imagined for years. And we’re pretty sure that Maul-Shadow Lord is about to give it to us.

The post Is MAUL-SHADOW LORD Teasing a Vader vs. Maul Confrontation? appeared first on Nerdist.

It’s here. We know you’ve been waiting for this one! And by this one, we mean one of the most exciting trailers of the year—our first real look at The Legend of Vox Machina season four. We now know that this is the penultimate season of The Legend of Vox Machina and that it will release in June. With only one more season of The Legend of Vox Machina to go after this one, Critters know there will be no punches or bleeps pulled. It’s a huge season of What the Duck?!! action and drama. And you can get your first taste of it below. Press play now on The Legend of Vox Machina season four trailer.

The Legend of Vox Machina season four’s trailer does NOT disappoint. It’s full of all the elements we’ve really missed from this Critical Role series. Serious portents of doom, high stakes, cultists, and… a lot of laughter. Not to mention, some GORGEOUS animation courtesy of Titmouse. Is there an animated series out there that looks as good as The Legend of Vox Machina? But most of all, it’s the show’s tone that we love seeing return to our screens. That irreverent wittiness that keeps things from getting too serious, even as the literal fate of the world hangs in the balance.

And, would it really be a The Legend of Vox Machina trailer without some new words of wisdom from Grog Strongjaw? This time around, he lets us know that “Most problems can be solved by punching, and when they can’t, you kick!” Genius, truly!

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The synopsis for The Legend of Vox Machina season four, shared along with the trailer, reveals to us a bit more about what we can expect this season. It shares, “The trailer finds our loveable heroes facing their most challenging and darkest foe to date. The group will be tested in more ways than they could possibly imagine.” And adds, “The Legend of Vox Machina Season Four is set a year after the Chroma Conclave. Vox Machina has separated, searching for love, family, and purpose. But as always, the call of adventure is a breath away. When a long-slumbering evil awakens to threaten the realm, they must reunite to take on an epic foe.”

Prime Video

As we’ve written before, “Critters will know that in the original fifth and final arc of Critical Role‘s Vox Machina campaign, our party faced off against Vecna, who proved to be an intense foe, almost too strong to defeat. But for the purposes of The Legend of Vox Machina season 4, we probably won’t hear the official V-word tossed around.” Instead, Vecna will be known as “The Whispered One” on The Legend of Vox Machina season four. But he’ll be just as epic by any name.

In conclusion, as usual, everyone is in danger. Classic Vox Machs. But our favorite team will be turning up the volume on power, adventure, and awesome, and we can’t wait. We’ll definitely be rewatching this The Legend of Vox Machina season four trailer at least 100 times.

The Legend of Vox Machina season four will release on June 3; season four will have a three-episode weekly rollout on Prime Video. You can stream the first three seasons of the show on Prime Video today.

The post THE LEGEND OF VOX MACHINA Season 4 Trailer Is Full of ‘WHAT THE DUCK’ Moments appeared first on Nerdist.

In 2025, we named Heart Eyes as one of our best movies of the year. The horror flick starred Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding as two people working together on a campaign who end up in the crosshairs of a killer who murders on Valentine’s Day. It flew under the radar of many but it is a great blend of romantic thriller, slasher gore, and comedic gold. And, that Heart Eyes killer mask is kinda cool, too. The film ended with somewhat of a cliffhanger, so we are delighted that Paramount Pictures will bring a Heart Eyes 2 sequel to theaters on February 11, 2028. (Thanks to Variety for bringing this to our attention!)Sony Pictures

At the end of Heart Eyes, Ally (Olivia Holt) gets a phone call from someone with the same menacing voice as the killer. This is obviously a shock to her considering some time has passed but it turns out to be her friend Monica (Gigi Zumbado) playing around. Monica tells Ally that she loves her but the line gets cut short, leaving her confused. We will surely figure out what that means in the next film.

We can assume that Gooding and Holt will reprise their roles as Ally and Jay and maybe Zumbado as Monica. But who will be the killer(s) this time around? We will have to wait a while and see what Valentine’s Day massacre happens in the Heart Eyes 2 sequel.

The post HEART EYES 2 Sequel Sets February 2028 Release Date appeared first on Nerdist.

Police procedurals will never, ever get old, apparently. There’s something about digging into that dark and complex world of drugs, crime, and drama that audiences love. Back in the late ‘80s, there was Miami Vice (1984-1989), which deviated from the typical procedural format and drenched it in pop culture and stylish visuals. It didn’t have the longevity of the others, but it did produce one film adaptation in 2006. Now, a new Miami Vice film adaptation is in the works with Universal with Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski at its helm. The film will be titled Miami Vice ’85 and star Oscar winner Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler.Universal Television

Dan Gilroy will pen the film’s script. We know that Gilroy, who happens to be Tony Gilroy’s brother (Andor), knows the action world well. He wrote Nightcrawler as well as The Bourne Legacy starring Matt Damon. Right now, things are in the very early stages so we don’t know who will star in this film. The 2006 film by Michael Mann had Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx in the leading roles.

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While it is not impossible for either of them to return in some capacity for a clever cameo, Butler and Jordan are undoubtedly the leads for this film. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Miami Vice ’85 will be a period piece that pays homage to the TV series. Butler will play James “Sonny” Crockett, the same role that Don Johnson played in the show, while Jordan will portray Ricardo Tubbs, which was Philip Michael Thomas’ role.

Warner Bros. Pictures

Miami Vice ’85 will hit theaters on August 6, 2027 with shooting happening sometime in 2026. We will keep our eyes peeled for more information about this new Miami Vice film adaptation.

Originally published on April 29, 2025.

The post Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler Will Star in MIAMI VICE ’85 appeared first on Nerdist.

Dungeon Crawler Carl is getting a television series by Family Guy‘s Seth MacFarlane on Peacock. The LitRPG book series has a legion of fans and an eighth installment coming in 2026. While we totally think it is worth diving into as you wait for more information about the live-action adaptation, time is a tricky thing. We simply don’t have enough of it, it seems. So, here’s everything you need to know about Dungeon Crawler Carl. What Is a LitRPG?

LitRPG, short for Literary Roleplaying Game, refers to a genre of literature that combines a lot of familiar mechanics from computer roleplaying games/tabletop games with science fiction/fantasy novels. The game elements are a core component of the story, and they often follow the path of a “progression fantasy,” where characters will slowly but surely get stronger over a long period of time. It leads to a very satisfied, earned power level that you get to watch every step of. You’ll find yourself cheering for new weapons from Loot Crates and fascinating rewards from Achievements. While often viewed as inaccessible, the success of titles like Dungeon Crawler Carl shows that LitRPGs can be for everyone.

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7 LitRPGs to Read If You Loved DUNGEON CRAWLER CARLAn Alien Invasion Kicks Off Dungeon Crawler Carl

“Every interior of your world has been crushed, and all raw minerals—organic and inanimate—are in the process of being mined for the requested elements. Per the Mined Material Reclamation Act, along with the Subsection 35 of the Indigenous Planetary Species Protection Act, any surviving humans will be given the opportunity to reclaim their lost matter. 

Per Syndicate rules, Subsection 543 of the Precious Elemental Reserves Code, having failed to file a proper appeal for the mineral and elemental rights within fifty solars of first contact, your planet has been successfully seized, and is currently being mined of all requested elemental deposits by the assigned planetary regent.”

One ice-cold, snowy night in Seattle, the world ends. At least for Carl, a 27-year-old boat repairman and former Coast Guard machinery tech. Every structure on Earth is flattened in the blink of an eye. Everyone inside? Dead. Luckily, Carl (and his ex-girlfriend’s cat Princess Donut) are outside. Unluckily, he is in his underwear, a leather jacket, and a pair of too-small pink Crocs. An AI voice explains to the survivors that Earth is going to be essentially strip-mined for all of its minerals. But, humans have the right, legally, to attempt “reclamation.”

It’s all according to some bullsh*t Syndicate code. The Syndicate is the universe-spanning governing body for billions upon billions of planets. The Syndicate dictates that the planetary regent (read: invading force) gets to decide how denizens of a planet can reclaim their home… or what remains of it. This invading force—the Kua-Tin of the Borant Corporation—choose the Eighteen-Level World Dungeon, as it is outlined in the Precious Elemental Reserves Code.

The Kua-Tin are a race of tiny humanoid fish people. Borant Corporation is an extremely powerful Kua-Tin company. And they are all too happy to use this hostile takeover as an excuse to produce a season of Dungeon Crawler World, with the survivors of Earth as the stars.

Staircases open up all over Earth. You can either choose to stay on the surface (bad idea), or you can descend into the Eighteen-Level World Dungeon.

AmazonThe Eighteen-Level World Dungeon & Dungeon Crawler World

“The Borant corporation, having been assigned regency over this solar system, is allowed to choose the manner of this reclamation, and they have chosen Option 3, also known as the Eighteen-Level World Dungeon. The Borant corporation retains all rights to broadcast, exploit, and otherwise control all aspects of the world dungeon, and will remain in control as long as they adhere to Syndicate regulations regarding world resource reclamation.”

On average, there are two seasons of Dungeon Crawler World (or its equivalent, depending on what race of aliens are controlling it at any given time) every 2.5 Earth years. The season our heroes are participating in is called Dungeon Crawler World: Earth. As you might imagine, Carl takes the staircase with Princess Donut in his arms and becomes Dungeon Crawler Carl.

Dungeon Crawler World is a sci-fi fantasy game where Dungeons & Dragons meets mind-boggling crimes against humanity, with the highest stakes imaginable. It’s all with the tone of a sadistic reality show/game show, hosted by a blood-thirsty AI. The goal is to descend deeper and deeper into the dungeon, until reaching the end of the eighteenth floor. Ten million Crawlers enter Earth’s season, with three million dying in the first hour. Thankfully, Carl isn’t one of them, and neither is Donut. Once they locate the nearest tutorial guild, headed by Mordecai the Changeling, Carl starts to learn how the game functions while Donut knocks over an urn containing Mordecai’s mother’s ashes, and then takes a shit in it. Bless her heart.

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Mordecai, currently in the form of a bipedal rat, explains that he used to be a Crawler himself, a long time ago. He was a Skyfowl (a race of alien birds) when he entered the Dungeon, but once he was given the chance to pick a race and class—a Crawler’s reward for making it to the third floor—he selected Changeling. In his current indentured servitude to the dungeon, he does not get to select what form he presents as. Supposedly, this will be Mordecai’s last season, and he’ll earn his freedom at the end. 

Carl, having been the first Crawler to enter the dungeon with a cat, receives a Legendary Pet Box—one of many possible loot boxes a Crawler can earn while inside the dungeon, mostly through getting achievements. Inside are special cat treats that Mordecai says will likely make Donut stronger in some way or kill her. Before Carl has a chance to decide one way or another, Donut jumps up, bites him, and eats the treat herself. 

Long-story short, Princess Donut gains full sapience and the ability to talk—and a base character build that frankly is much better than Carl’s. Donut promptly names their party Princess Donut’s Royal Court and names Carl her Royal Bodyguard. Donut is like a child in many ways. However, she proves herself to be a formidable threat in her own right as she progresses through Dungeon Crawler World. 

The Apocalypse Will Be Televised

As previously mentioned, Dungeon Crawler World is a television show, and a television show that a LOT of people watch. Upon reaching the second floor, Carl and Donut gain the ability to see how many current viewers, followers, and favorites they have. The social media aspect of Dungeon Crawler World is extremely important. On later floors, Crawlers can gain sponsorships from individuals, companies, and even world governments. Who sponsors you, if anyone, often comes down to your visibility and what kind of Crawler you come across as to the viewers. Per Mordecai, sponsorships are often the difference between life and death on the lower levels.

There’s Fanboxes, too, where fans of the show will vote on what they want you to get in a particular Loot Box. It could be the thing that saves you, or it could be a pair of boxers because the audience wants to troll you for saying you want pants. 

Aethon Books/Ace/Good Reads Carl, the Royal Bodyguard

“You will not break me. F**k you all. You will not break me.”

Carl is a decent guy. That might sound like a pretty weak description, but I think it’s the best place to start. He’s got a good heart and when he can be easy-going, he is. It doesn’t take much to make him happy. He’s friendly, and he likes most folks, as long as they’re not antagonistic towards himself or Donut. Save for his colossal Mommy and Daddy issues, he’s almost well-adjusted. Carl ends up running around in the dungeon in his underoos, an enchanted cloak, bare feet (save a toe ring), and a troll-skin shirt. Will Carl ever get pants? Probably not. 

Carl leans primarily into an unarmed build, supplementing his fast-growing Pugilism skill with explosives of all varieties. The stronger he grows, the harder he’ll hit, and the bigger the booms. Carl’s technical know-how from his years of messing around with systems both electrical and mechanical serve him well in the Dungeon. What Carl lacks in Intelligence and Charisma, Donut more than makes up for. His hardiness and high Strength make him an excellent foil for Donut, with her low Constitution. 

Princess Donut, the Queen Anne Chonk

“Carl! CARL! Tell them who I am! Tell them I’m beautiful!”

Okay, so the ex-girlfriend’s cat thing. We know the series is titled Dungeon Crawler Carl, but there is a lovely deuteragonist we simply must talk about. Grand Champion, Breed Winner Regional, National Winner, Best-in-Dungeon Princess Donut, the Queen Anne Chonk. Carl’s ex-girlfriend Beatrice comes from a family of Persian cat breeders. Donut was their greatest accomplishment, sweeping awards at every cat show she’d ever been brought to—and she’d been brought to hundreds.

Days before the end of the world, Carl saw a picture of Beatrice in Italy on Instagram, sitting in her ex-boyfriend’s lap. Carl proceeded to dump her over the phone. He said he’d have all of her stuff packed for her when she got back, and he didn’t want any drama. Carl hates drama. Beatrice asked only that Carl take care of Donut until she returned to the States. Carl, who secretly adored Donut, began to plan a daring cat-napping venture. But, then the world ended, and so too did Beatrice. Kinda convenient, right?

Carl and Donut’s dynamic is the heart and emotional driving force of this series. I jokingly told my fiancee that Dungeon Crawler Carl is about the bond between a man and his ex-girlfriend’s cat. But in reality…no. That’s his cat. I know it might seem insane to take a character called Princess Donut seriously. But she has captured hearts in realms both fictional and real for a reason.

Donut’s highest stats are Intelligence and Charisma. And she uses them to the best of her advantage, while also enjoying the high Dexterity of being a cat. Donut’s main move is her Magic Missile, which is a deadly laser she shoots from her eyes. Carl and Donut quickly become a mostly well-oiled machine. Carl is the meat shield and heavy hitter and Donut supports him with her magic. 

That doesn’t mean Donut doesn’t go her own way—because she often does. This is how Carl ends up with the catchphrase, “Godd*mnit, Donut.” 

The Odds Are Not In Your Favor

While the Eighteen-Level World Dungeon may be entertainment for quintillions of Syndicate citizens across the universe, being inside of it is a hell unlike any other. Humans die at the hands of mobs of monsters, and many other dangers within the dungeon. Whether it’s meth-addled llamas or mantaurs (half man, half…more man), there’s rare respite inside of the dungeon, even on its very first floor. 

Oh, and per Mordecai: the lowest any Crawler has ever made it to is the thirteenth floor. No one has ever completed the dungeon. No one has ever reclaimed their planet, not once in all of the seasons of Dungeon Crawler World. Some survive—if you make it to the tenth floor, opportunities to escape the dungeon to live another day start to present themselves. Still, that’s a long way down the line for Carl and Donut, as they grind to grow stronger and chase humanity’s last hope. 

Dungeon Crawler Carl is a witty, compelling, and shockingly earnest story. It will make you laugh—a lot. And when you least expect it, it’ll make you cry too. Obviously I encourage everyone to dive into the book series, but if not, I hope you thoroughly enjoy Carl’s live-action adventures to come. 

And remember Crawlers: Kill, kill, kill! 

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When Marlon Wayans said that Scary Movie would leave no parody stone unturned, he really meant it. The upcoming sixth installment is taking aim at a ton of horror films, like Sinners and Weapons. But one movie that we didn’t see being a part of Scary Movie was Michael, the new biopic starring Michael Jackson’s nephew Jaafar as the King of Pop. Sure, the franchise has poked fun (for better or worse) at the late superstar before, but this is directly tied to this new movie about Michael. In a new Scary Movie trailer, SNL mainstay Kenan Thompson plays Michael Jackson and completely commits. 

We see MJ’s sparkly glove and jacket as well as his black loafers at the beginning of the clip. A watered down version of Billie Jean plays as stickies litter a wall with song titles. The producer says he isn’t Michael because he doesn’t have a monkey, a reference to Bubbles, of course. But Kenan’s Michael Jackson does have a llama. It is a bit hard to tell if this scene will actually be in the movie or if it is just slick promo that’s tied into Michael’s release weekend. 

Paramount Pictures

We get more glimpses at Scary Movie, including a parody of Get Out when Chris ends up in the Sunken Place for the first time. The end of the clip goes back to Kenan, who high kicks a man over before poorly moonwalking until he falls down a flight of stairs. Scary Movie will bring its Michael parodies and more to theaters on June 5.

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The rise and fall of streaming service prices is a rather vexatious journey we tend to follow closely. In October 2025, Xbox announced price hikes affecting all Game Pass plans, including a frustrating 50 percent increase for the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier. Six months laters, the company offers welcome relief to its valued customers. Starting Tuesday, April 21, the cost of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will drop from $29.99 to $22.99 a month—a nearly 25 percent price decrease. The PC Game Pass will also drop from $16.49 to $13.99 a month. Microsoft

Xbox announces the price drop just six months after hiking them by more than 50 percent. Just as the price hike was explained with upgrades to tier plans and new in-game features, there must be a reason for the 25 percent decrease. Beginning in 2026, future Call of Duty titles won’t join Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass at launch. Rather, they will join about a year later during the following holiday season. Existing Call of Duty games will remain in the library as is.

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The decision was met with mixed reactions from fans. Some are grateful for Xbox listening to their feedback about prices, while others are a tad disappointed about having to wait longer for new titles to be available. In the grand scheme of things, I guess it just depends what you value more: cheaper prices or quicker game drops.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is now available for $22.99 a month, saving subscribers $84 a year. The PC Game Pass is down to $13.99 a month.

Activision Price Breakdown Of All Xbox Game Pass Tiers, As of April 2026

• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – $22.99 a month (down from $29.99 a month)
• Xbox Game Pass Premium – $14.99 a month (same as the old Standard subscription)
• Xbox Game Pass Essential – $9.99 a month (same as the old Core subscription)
• PC Game Pass – $13.99 a month (down from $16.49 a month)

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